rated *

It Comes Back at You

by Kaye KL

 

Chapter One

September, 1995

It was the beginning of a new school year. Trixie Belden and her best friends, Honey Wheeler and Diana Lynch, were sophomores at Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School. Her brother, Mart, and their friend, Dan Mangan, were juniors. These friends were in a club together, the Bob-Whites of the Glen, along with two other members: Trixie’s brother Brian and Honey’s brother Jim Frayne, who had gone away to college and were freshman at Boston University.

The first week of school flew by. Mart and Dan had several classes together, as did Honey and Di. Trixie’s schedule was quite a mess, so she only saw the others at lunch. At first she thought she wanted to rearrange her schedule, especially when she realized she had managed to get herself into both Spanish and French. But after the first two chaotic days, she decided she liked things just the way they were.

At lunch on Friday, she tried to explain this to Honey. "I thought it would be confusing, but it’s not. Spanish 3 is a challenge, and I really want to learn it better. But after three years of Spanish, French 1 is actually easy. They are so similar it’s like a refresher course. I can see how the languages are related, and suddenly a lot of the rules make so much more sense. And when it makes sense, it’s exciting! I’m really enjoying it."

"But that’s what’s screwing up your schedule," Honey lamented. "If you would just drop French, you could switch into my Math and English Lit sections."

"You don’t have Ms. Watkins for English Lit. She’s just great. I don’t want to leave her class." Trixie pleaded with Honey to understand. "I like my classes. I like my teachers. I like school!"

Mart looked at Dan and Di. They were all trying to figure out if they should get involved in this conversation. Mart thought about the fact that his parents would be thrilled that Trixie was taking an interest in school. Besides, if she had no classes with Honey and Di she couldn’t discuss mysteries or Bob-White matters during school time. On the other hand, Honey was clearly taking this issue as an abandonment of their friendship. How do I tactfully tell Miss Tact to butt out and leave Trixie alone?

Fortunately, Di came to his rescue. "Honey, just think. By having different teachers for English Lit we can compare notes and maybe help each other understand. And really, Trixie could not handle math with Mr. Babcock. She’s really better off in Mrs. McMahon’s section."

Honey looked at Diana. She realized what Di was trying to do. She looked at Dan, then Mart. Mart was pleading with her with his eyes. Honey drew in a shaky breath. "Okay, Trixie. If this is the way you want it, that’s fine."

Dan decided now was a good time to change the topic. "Okay. Now, what time are we meeting at the clubhouse tomorrow morning?"

Trixie hesitated. "Well…"

Dan’s eyes narrowed. "Do you have plans you need us to work around, Madame President?"

Trixie lowered her eyes. "I have a study date at 11:00. It’s for a group project for French class. It will take a couple of hours. I can meet any time before or after that."

Dan raised an eyebrow. The fact that Trixie would not meet his eyes was making him a little suspicious. What did she not want them to know about this study date? "Really? Is it a large group? Are you meeting at your house?"

Trixie was doodling on her napkin. She stared at the paper and never looked up. "No… well it’s just two of us." There was a long pause. "Tad Webster and I will be studying at Mrs. Vanderpoel’s," she finished in a rush.

There was a moment of silence. Trixie dared to look at Mart. He was staring across the cafeteria in Tad’s direction, eyes narrowed, and his expression indicated a clear threat.

Honey, fighting back both anger and hurt, grabbed her things and stormed out of the cafeteria. Di looked around at the others, unsure what to do, before following Honey.

Trixie finally met Dan’s eyes. Help!!

Dan’s expression softened. He looked back and forth between Trixie and Mart for a moment, then sighed. He looked at Trixie and let her know with a nod, I’ll take care of Mart.

Trixie flashed one of her most brilliant smiles at Dan, with a look of gratitude. "I’ve got to run. I’ll see you after school." Then she flew out of the cafeteria.

Dan stared after her, then looked at Mart. This is going to be a looong year.

*     *     *

On her way out of the cafeteria, Trixie was stopped by Merrissa Parkman. Merrissa was a senior and the star of the girls’ basketball team. She was tall, 6’1", with long, black hair she wore in a braid straight down her back. She was thin but muscular, and she towered over the petite, curly-haired blond.

"Trixie, I need you to do me a favor," Merrissa said.

Trixie looked up at her curiously. What could Merrissa Parkman possibly want from me?

Aloud she said, "How can I help you, Merrissa?"

The taller girl looked her over. She seemed to hesitate, then nodded as if she’d made up her mind about something. "Do you know about the informal two-on-two basketball tournament Coach Epperly is holding after school?"

The little blond nodded. "Sure. He holds it every year to recruit new players."

Merrissa took a deep breath. "My partner from last year graduated. I need someone to play in the tournament with me, and you can’t partner with another member of the team." Okay, little white lie, Merrissa thought. She continued, "I’d like you to be my partner. Will you meet me in the gym after school?"

Trixie’s jaw dropped. She stared up at the older girl, searching Merrissa’s face for signs that she was mocking her. Seeing none, she stammered, "Uh, sure, Merrissa… I guess I could… I mean, if you’re sure…"

Merrissa nodded once. "Good. See you there at 3:15." With that she turned and rushed off down the hall.

Trixie stared after her. Then she turned and slowly walked down the hall, shaking her head. Merrissa Parkman wouldn’t play with just anyone. What on earth made her ask me?

Trixie’s next class was French. As she sat down in her seat, Tad leaned over. "Mrs. Vanderpoel said for you to bring Bobby with you tomorrow. She wants to visit with him."

Trixie shook her thoughts about Merrissa Parkman away so she could focus on what Tad was saying. That brought her thoughts back to the scene in the lunchroom. She spoke softly, "You might want to avoid Mart for a while."

Tad looked into her deep blue eyes and saw the worry there. He thought about her protective big brothers, and could just imagine what was going through Mart’s mind. Touched that Trixie seemed concerned about him, he smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry about him. I’ll let him know that he shouldn’t worry about you."

Trixie snorted, "As if he’ll take your word for it."

Just then Madame James called the class to order. Tad and Trixie turned their attention to the teacher and began to concentrate on the class. Halfway through class, Tad tilted his notebook toward Trixie. Trixie stifled a giggle as she read his note, "I’m not afraid of the Big, Bad Mart."

*     *     *

At the dismissal bell, Trixie headed for her locker. Since Honey and Diana’s lockers were right nearby, all the Bob-Whites gathered there at the end of the day. By the time she arrived, everyone else was waiting.

"Hey, Trix, look alive," Mart called out to her. "Does my diminutive sibling recollect our imminent assignation with the illustrious educational administrator for this fine establishment?"

Trixie gave Mart a blank look. Then she furrowed her brow. "Why were we meeting with Principal Stratton, again?"

Honey stared at her friend like she had grown an extra head. "Trixie, you wanted to ask Mr. Stratton about the Bob-Whites finding some type of fundraiser for the athletic department, remember?"

Trixie had a far away look in her eyes. She started to say something, then stopped. She was frantically trying to process random thoughts, and nothing was coming together into a coherent sentence.

Just then Mr. Stratton came up to them. "Well hello, kids!"

The B.W.G.s turned to greet their principal, smiling and saying, "Hello."

Mr. Stratton looked down at Trixie. "I guess you need to reschedule our appointment for this afternoon, heh, Trixie?" he asked.

Trixie looked up at him, startled. Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Mr. Stratton grinned. "Merrissa Parkman informed me that your presence will be needed in the main gym this afternoon, to help with her, uh, project for the athletic department." Mr. Stratton’s eyes twinkled. "Have fun, Trixie. Good luck."

With a wave of his hand, he headed off down the hallway. The rest of the Bob-Whites turned to Trixie, seeking an explanation. Mart raised a questioning eyebrow. "And when, pray tell, did you chance to speak with the fair Miss Parkman?"

Trixie looked at her shoes. "She stopped me on the way out of lunch and practically ordered me to help her this afternoon. Who says no to Merrissa Parkman?" She looked up beseechingly, willing her friends to understand.

Honey issued a low whistle. "You’re right. No one says no to Merrissa Parkman. Well, since we wanted to help the athletic department today, why don’t we all head to the gym?"

The other Bob-Whites nodded, curious as to how Trixie would be helping. They were actually aware of the tournament, and its use as a recruiting tactic for the sports program. Unlike Trixie, they were also aware that it was a co-ed tournament. Mart had considered entering, but didn’t think Dan would be interested. The gang figured Trixie had been recruited for her organizational skills, or to help scoring.

Trixie turned to her locker. She took a deep breath before she grabbed her gym bag out of her locker and slammed the door. She pasted a smile on her face before turning to her friends. "Well, come on then, let’s go!"

She then took off down the hall towards the gym at full speed.

The Bob-Whites hurried after Trixie, but by the time they reached the gym she was nowhere in sight. They climbed into the bleachers and looked around. Honey and Di admired some of the male basketball players, while Mart and Dan sized up the field of players. Most of the teams were made up of one boy and one girl, while several teams were two boys.

Dan nodded toward the sign-in table. "Mart, you want to jump in?"

Mart’s eyes lit up. He grinned at his friend and said, "Let’s go! I’ll go sign in while you get changed."

Honey was still looking around for Trixie. She noticed Merrissa Parkman at the sign-in table, but couldn’t tell who her partner was.

After a few minutes, Diana nudged her. "Look at Mart. He looks like he’s trying not to laugh, but he also looks annoyed. What do you think his problem is?"

Honey shrugged. Mart had met Dan at the door to the locker room. After a hurried conference, Mart headed inside and Dan headed over towards the girls. Now he had a strange look on his face.

When he reached the girls, he spoke quietly. "You are not going to believe this! Every year this tournament is won by someone from the boys’ varsity basketball team; usually a team of two boys. Once the star of the girls’ varsity paired with the captain of the boys’ varsity, and they won. There has never even been a two-girl team entered in this tournament, but guess who’s starting a new trend?"

A look of horror spread over Diana’s pretty face. She glanced across the gym at Merrissa. "Oh, no! She wouldn’t!"

Just then Trixie, dressed to play, joined Merrissa on the sidelines. Honey nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes, she would!" She smiled. Of course her best friend had the guts to buck the status quo.

The various teams were paired up and assigned to their playing locations. They had the courts divided in half, and were using the main gym, the auxiliary gym, and the outdoor courts. Eight games could be held at once, and 32 teams had signed up. Mart and Dan had to play their first game in the auxiliary gym against a senior varsity player who had paired up with his little sister. Merrissa and Trixie were sent outdoors to play against two sophomore boys from the J.V. squad.

As they reached the outdoor court, the boys snickered. Merrissa gave them a piercing glare. Trixie had been looking very nervous until that point. Now she felt a wave of determination come over her. Her face hardened, and her chin jutted forward. Merrissa noticed the change, and relaxed a little. She was beginning to believe she had chosen well.

The games lasted about 20 minutes, and as they finished, the next set of first round games started. The losing teams either left or went to the bleachers to watch. The winners returned to the main gym to rest up and await their next match-ups.

Dan and Mart headed over to Honey and Diana. They were winded, and a little hot and sweat, but grinning from ear to ear.

Diana smiled and asked, "So, did you wipe the floor with them?"

Mart shook his head. "No, it wasn’t that easy. The varsity guy, Steve, was really good. He expected to win hands-down. We barely beat him."

Dan smirked. "That just makes the victory all the sweeter." The friends laughed.

Just then there was a commotion at the scoring table. The sophomore boys that had been playing against Trixie and Merrissa were there, red-faced, and arguing with Coach Epperly, the umpire for the tournament. Then they stormed out of the gym. Meanwhile, Merrissa and Trixie entered and calmly walked to the water fountain. They exuded confidence and triumph.

Mart’s jaw dropped. Honey smiled, happy for her best friend. She looked at Mart and said mischievously, "Hmmm, I wonder who you’ll have to beat next…"

Twenty minutes later, the rest of the first round games were over. The scoring table was busy for several minutes, while teams were paired for their next rounds. The new assignments were announced and the teams headed for their next games. This time Mart and Dan went outside to play a co-ed team. Merrissa and Trixie were again sent outside, this time to play a team made up of a boy and girl who each played varsity.

Since their friends were all playing outside this time, Honey and Di also headed outside to watch. At first they tried to split their attention between the two games, but they gave up; it was just too fascinating to watch Trixie and Merrissa.

The two girls appeared to be so mismatched. Merrissa was tall, thin, wiry, and very obviously built for basketball. Trixie was short and sturdy, and so tiny that no one expected her to be able to reach the basket. When she held the ball with both hands, it looked large, whereas the ball looked tiny when Merrissa palmed it. Despite their differences, however, they were the perfect team. It was as if they could read each other’s minds. While Merrissa towered over the girl on the other team, Trixie could have run beneath the legs of the boy. She darted quickly around and under arms and legs, flawlessly getting the ball to Merrissa so she could dunk it. When Trixie stopped near the opposite basket to fire a shot at her own, the ball swished through the hoop.

The second round flew by. Once again the winners gathered in the main gym to get their new assignments. Now they were down to eight teams, so the four games could be played indoors between the two gyms. Dan and Mart, surprised to have made it this far, were pleased to be assigned to the main gym for their next game. Merrissa and Trixie went to the auxiliary gym.

By the time this round was over the participants were quite tired, so a break was called. Again, all the Bob-White players had made it to the next round.

Once everyone had caught their breath, the next pairings were announced. Down to four teams, the play had been condensed to just the main gym. On one half would play the two favored teams, all varsity boys’ players. On the other half, Mart and Dan would play against Merrissa and Trixie.

Honey and Diana watched intently. "This should be interesting," Honey muttered. "Who are you cheering for?"

Di grinned wickedly. "Trix, of course. Mart needs a serious comeuppance from his baby sister." Both girls giggled.

Meanwhile, Merrissa was observing the situation. She studied her partner. Trixie was clearly nervous. Throughout the day, and even through the last couple of years, the older girl had observed Trixie to be smart, strong, skilled, tough, determined, and able to accomplish anything to which she put her mind; however, all this was overshadowed by a serious lack of self-esteem and self-confidence.

The boys provided another interesting picture. Mart was supremely confident, both of his own skills and of his ability to beat his sister. He looked gleeful at the prospect of putting "the girls" in their place. Dan, however, was wary. He was sizing up the girls, looking for weaknesses, and trying to determine their strategy.

The warrior in Merrissa battled with her desire to nurture the younger girl. She wanted to win this tournament, she really did, and she knew she could probably beat Mart and Dan with minimal help from Trixie. However, if they went to the finals she would need a lot of help from the younger girl, and the little blond pixie would need to be a lot more self-assured.

She decided that helping Trixie would be the better path right now. Trixie needed to be the lead, the strong player. She needs to be the one who actually beats the pants off cocky Mart Belden. If anyone could upset Trixie’s concentration, it would be Mart.

Her decision made, she formulated her strategy. Antagonizing Mart should effectively throw him off balance. He would be easy-pickings. That would leave Dan vs. Trixie. Dan was good, but not quite as good as Mart. And Trixie was better than she thought. This would be a fairly even match-up, even if Dan had a good height advantage. He was a decent height, about 5’11", compared to Trixie’s 5’2".

As play began, Merrissa threw the ball to Trixie and moved off to block Mart. She began taunting him, making comments about him being unable to be a big enough man to beat the girls. He became distracted and missed a great opportunity to steal the ball from his sister. As play continued, so did the pattern. The more frustrated Mart got, the worse he played.

Dan kept his cool for a long time. He had figured out what Merrissa was doing, and he wasn’t going to let it bother him. He concentrated on playing against Trixie, blocking her and shooting when he got the ball. Merrissa was calm, cool, and collected; she was letting Trixie control the game, but she was there to assist whenever needed. If Trixie needed an extra hand, she had it. Mart was not calm, and not being helpful at all. Dan’s frustration grew.

Proportionately, so did Trixie’s self-confidence. She was now several points in the lead, and really wanted to prove a point to Mart. She grabbed a rebound off a shot Dan missed from right under the basket, turned toward her basket and, without moving a step, shot the ball clear across the court. Nothing but net!!

That was the breaking point in the game. Merrissa knew her partner was right where she needed to be, so she gave up taunting Mart and returned to normal play. Mart and Dan were both too upset to play well, and Trixie was in her element. The boys had no chance now.

When the game ended, Trixie was ecstatic. Clobbering Mart had felt sooo good! Merrissa enveloped Trixie in a huge bear hug. Mart and Dan were aggravated, frustrated, and embarrassed. They were being a little too macho to admit that they were also impressed. Not even bothering with the customary handshake of congratulations, they slowly wandered over to the bleachers to join Honey and Di.

The final game was scheduled to begin after a brief intermission. Merrissa and Trixie were playing against the co-captains of the boys’ varsity team, Chris Zack and Paul Andrews. Every person in the gym was sure that Chris and Paul would win, but they felt there would be some entertainment value in the contest.

Merrissa was sure that she and Trixie would win. All she had to do was convince Trixie.

Pulling her aside, Merrissa asked, "How do you feel?"

Trixie smiled. "Like I could take on the world!" she exclaimed breathlessly.

This is a good sign, thought Merrissa. She looked Trixie squarely in the eye. "Listen, I practice with these two every week. Chris is great, but he can’t catch a rebound. And Paul can’t defend on the left. And they’re tired. Skill-wise, we actually have a real chance. The important thing right now is to stay confident. Do not lose that spark, Belden. Your excitement will carry this game!" She grinned. "On that note, let’s go kick some varsity ass!"

Trixie grinned back at the older girl. She was having a really great day, even if she lost this game. She had nothing to lose, and everything to win. Play ball!

As play began, the other Bob-Whites sat on the bleachers and kibitzed. Mart was still sulking, and was determined not to admit how good his sister was.

"There is no way those girls are going to beat the captains of the varsity boys’ team!" he exclaimed, for the fourth time.

Honey and Di were getting a little tired of the way he sneered his way through the word "girls."

"Come off it, Mart!" Di sputtered angrily. "Your baby sister is going to beat the pants off the boys, and I am going to love every minute of it. Almost as much as I loved watching her slam-dunk you!"

Mart started to say something in response, but then thought better of it. If Diana, of all people, had loved watching him be humiliated, perhaps he needed to come down a peg or two. Then he noticed the nasty looks others around the gym were giving his sister. That was just unacceptable: only he could make fun of his sister like that!

Deciding that these spectators needed to be shown a thing or two, Mart changed his opinion of the game. He would root for his sister. She could do this. This was Trixie, after all.

For most of the game, play stayed evenly matched, and the score was usually tied. This surprised a lot of people who had expected the boys to pulverize the girls, despite having watched the girls play all afternoon. All the players were starting to get tired, and Trixie was beginning to have her doubts about her team’s ability to win this contest. Just then, the ball went out of bounds and landed in Mart’s lap. Trixie went to retrieve it.

As Trixie grabbed the ball, Mart winked at her. "Come on, Trix. You can do this!" he said softly as he handed off to her.

Trixie was startled. Mart was encouraging her? She looked at her brother again, and he smiled at her. She smiled back. Thanks, Mart. That was just what I needed!

Trixie came back on the court with a renewed burst of energy. The little spitfire flashed in and around the other players. She threw shot after shot, without missing. The boys never knew what hit them. When the game finally ended, the girls had won handily!

Merrissa grabbed Trixie in a bear hug. "Yes!! Thank you, Trixie, thank you," she yelled.

Chris Zack came up to Trixie to shake her hand in congratulations. "You know, Trix, we need a fourth for our practice workouts. Merrissa and Paul practice twice a week playing two-on-two with me, but my partner graduated last year. Would you like to be my new partner?"

Trixie started up at Chris. Did he actually just ask me that? Trixie has having a little trouble breathing. After all, this was Chris Zack! Chris was the captain of the varsity basketball team, a star of the track team, drop-dead gorgeous, and the guy nearly every girl at Sleepyside Junior-Senior High dreamed about. And he had just asked little Trixie Belden to become part of his inner circle!

Finally finding her voice, Trixie answered breathlessly. "That sounds great, Chris. I’ll be there, any time, anywhere. Just let me know."

Chris’ heart skipped a beat at the breathlessness in her voice. He gazed down at the brightest blue eyes he had ever seen. How had he missed noticing this girl before? Oh, yeah. Because he only bothered to look at people in the sports crowd, and she hadn’t been "in" before. He really needed to broaden his horizons.

He smiled charmingly. "Every Tuesday and Thursday, we meet at the Community Center right after school. We practice in the small gym while the Squirts league uses the main gym. Didn’t I see a Belden signed up for Squirts?"

Trixie furrowed her brow. "Oh, I remember now. Moms said she was signing my little brother up for that league, and I have to pick him up after practice those days."

"Perfect," Chris smiled. "You play with me, and when the little kids are done I will drive you and your brother home."

"Deal!" Trixie flashed him a disarming grin and stuck out her hand to shake. Chris felt his heart do a flip-flop.

"I have to go, Trixie, but I will see you Tuesday," Chris said as he shook her hand. He held it a little longer than perhaps he should have, then he turned and ran off toward the locker room.

Trixie was completely unaware of the affect she was having on Chris. She only knew that her entire world had just turned upside-down. This year was already so different from how she had expected it to be! She headed off to the locker room to change.

Mart Belden had come down off the bleachers and had gotten close enough to hear every word of the exchange between his sister and Chris. He had seen the way Chris had been affected by Trixie’s breathless voice, her sparkle, and her beguiling smile. He had watched him be entranced by her eyes. And he noticed how clueless Trixie was about the whole thing. Mart frowned. He saw trouble brewing.

Honey and Diana had also caught the exchange. "Did you see that?" Honey exclaimed. "Chris Zack just claimed Trixie’s afternoons for the entire year. Oh, I am so jealous, but not half as jealous as every cheerleader is going to be! Just think how much time she’ll be spending with him. Wow!" Di nodded her head vigorously.

Dan sighed deeply. Just because the Bob-White boys knew how amazing Trixie was, didn’t mean they wanted the entire male population to notice. It was beginning to look like the only way to control Big Brother Mart was going to be to lock Trixie in her room for the rest of the year. As if that would work!

A silent figure behind the bleachers had observed every move Trixie made all day. Now he slipped quietly away.

 

 Chapter Two

Peter Belden stepped into the kitchen at Crabapple Farm. He inhaled deeply, savoring the tantalizing aromas from his wife’s cooking. Helen was standing at the sink, looking absent-mindedly out over the garden. Peter walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, planting a quick kiss on her neck.

"What’s wrong?" he asked gently.

Helen shook her head, clearing her mind. "I’m being silly. It’s just so quiet here tonight. Bobby is eating at the Lynches’, Mart and Trixie stayed after school for something and didn’t expect to be home for dinner, and with Brian gone…" She shrugged her shoulders. "I just feel like they don’t need me."

The lost tone in her voice bothered Peter. He tightened his grip on her. "They still need you plenty, but they are growing up, and what they need from you is changing. Besides, I definitely still need you." He grinned suggestively at her. "Just think of all the time we have to spend together."

Helen laughed, and turned in his arms. "I suppose there are advantages to having no children around," she grinned slyly. "Of course, you had to go and schedule a poker night with the guys tonight."

Peter started – he had forgotten about his plans for the evening. "Damn."

Just then the phone rang. Thinking about changing his plans in order to have a night alone with his wife, he answered distractedly. "Belden residence."

John Epperly’s voice greeted him. "Hey, Pete. We still on for tonight?"

Peter groaned internally. He wanted to say no. He should just say no. "Of course, John. Wouldn’t miss it for the world." Helen laughed, and he made a face at her.

"Good. I’m quite certain you want to hear my version of your daughter’s exploits for the day," Coach Epperly stated, waiting to see what kind of reaction that would bring from his old friend.

Peter groaned loudly and hung his head. "Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Wait, yes, I do. No, I don’t. I just want to know if it involved the police."

John laughed heartily. "Calm down, Pete. This had nothing to do with a mystery, or criminals, or danger. You would actually be proud of this one. The whole town will be talking about it by Monday."

Peter furrowed his brow in confusion. "Trixie did something the whole town will be talking about, that I should be proud of? Wait, that didn’t come out right. She’s always doing things to make us proud. Oh, stop laughing, and put me out of my misery. The suspense is killing me!"

Helen had moved over to stand next to him. She was watching him closely, trying to judge whether she should be worried.

Gaining control of himself, John sighed and said, "I knew it was going to be an interesting day when Trixie came into the gym after school. And she didn’t disappoint me." He grinned. "You remember the co-ed two-on-two tournament I run every year, right?"

Peter nodded, then realized John couldn’t see him. "Of course I do. It’s a great recruitment tactic. But what does that have to do with Trixie?"

John wanted to drag this out a little; he was enjoying his friend’s confusion. "Well… my top four teams today were quite interesting. In fourth place I had two boys from my varsity team, Jake and Sam. In third place, I had two boys who are not in my program. You might be vaguely familiar with them: Dan Mangan and Mart Belden."

Peter exclaimed in surprise, "I didn’t even know Mart was going to sign up for the tournament. He came in third? That’s great!" He smiled proudly.

John interrupted his exultations. "Now for the really interesting part. The second place team was made up of the co-captains of my varsity squad, Chris Zack and Paul Andrews."

Peter chuckled. "Your varsity captains only made second place? Who the heck actually beat them?" As he contemplated this question, he remembered that this story was supposed to be about Trixie. She couldn’t have! Could she?

John was too excited to beat around the bush any more. "The first place team was amazing! And get this: for the first time in the 15 years I’ve been running a co-ed tournament, it was an all-girl team. Merrissa Parkman and Trixie Belden wiped the floor with all my varsity boys. They were great!"

Peter could hardly believe his ears. Helen had leaned in, and John had gotten loud, so she had heard the last bit quite clearly. They looked at each other in astonishment. "I didn’t know she had it in her," Peter said lamely.

John sobered a bit. "Oh, but there is more to tell. This is the part that should really concern you."

Peter’s shoulders sagged. "Now what?"

"I witnessed the most interesting conversation after the last game," John said. "You may want to keep very alert from here on out. Life in your house is about to get very complicated."

This did not sound good at all.

John continued, "Well, Paul Andrews and Merrissa Parkman have always practiced twice a week at the Community Center, playing two-on-two against Chris Zack and Cathy Parisi. And as you know, Cathy graduated last year and went away to college on a basketball scholarship."

Peter was afraid to ask, but had to know. "What does that have to do with Trixie?"

"Trixie was impressive today," John said. "So impressive, in fact, that Chris Zack asked her to be his practice partner. His regular practice partner. Every Tuesday and Thursday after school, for the entire year."

Peter had been out of high school for a long time. He had ceased playing that youthful level of social games years ago. But even he knew the significance of the handsome senior, captain of the varsity basketball team and dream of every cheerleader, asking his 15-year-old daughter to spend that much time with him. His stomach clenched. His hand gripped the phone so tightly his knuckles were white. "Please tell me she said no," he begged.

John laughed. "Your daughter is far too intelligent to have done that. She said yes, of course. And when she said yes, she smiled at him. You know the one. Helen’s smile…the one you fell in love with. Chris melted. He will be putty in her hands."

Peter slumped into the nearest chair. Could this get any worse?

"Of course," John continued, "that’s only if he lives long enough. Because Mart watched the entire thing, and I think he may try and kill Chris."

Peter held his head in his hands. Chris, of course, had done nothing to deserve such treatment from Mart. Yet.

"John?"

"Yeah, Pete?"

"Be sure you bring something stronger than beer tonight. And I’m going to need you to drive."

*     *     *

Nearly everyone from school was at Wimpy’s, and they had all heard about the tournament. Trixie did not handle compliments well at any time, and the steady stream was beginning to get wearying. Then, of course, there were the people who had not complimented her. It was painfully obvious from the many stares she got from around the room that she was the topic of conversation at every table. And it was loud. Her head hurt.

Dan leaned closer so he could be heard without yelling. "Are you okay, Trix?" he asked, concern evident in his deep, dark eyes.

Trixie smiled wanly. "I just want to go home."

Dan glanced over at Mart and Di, who were lost in their own world. Honey had wandered over to another table, where she was deep in conversation with a couple of classmates. The Bob-Whites had planned to see a movie tonight, but Trixie really didn’t look up to it. He looked at his watch. He could make it out to Glen Road and back before it was time to leave for the movie.

"Would you like me to drive you home, Trix?"

Trixie looked up at him gratefully. "Would you do that? I would really appreciate it."

Dan grinned. How could he resist helping her? Especially when his reward was a smile like the one that melted Chris earlier. There were guys who would kill for one of her smiles. And she had no idea, which just made her all the more adorable.

He grabbed her hand. "Come on. Let’s get you out of here."

As they reached the front door, a couple of guys wearing jackets from nearby Croton High were coming in. One of them bumped into Trixie, deliberately, nearly knocking her over. She would have fallen if Dan had not caught her. The Croton boy leered at her and snarled, "Watch it, you clumsy oaf!"

As he passed them, Dan’s face got red. Trixie grabbed his hand. "Please, Dan, just get me out of here!" she begged. She did not want him to confront the larger boy. The other boy seemed to begging for a confrontation, and Trixie did not want Dan to get hurt or in trouble on her account.

Dan saw the pleading look in Trixie’s eyes. He forced himself to relax, and escorted her out the door. He would drive her home, then when he came back for the others, he and Mart would take care of the jerk together.

 

Chapter Three

Dan dropped Trixie off at the Farm. She greeted her parents, who were both on their way out to their own previous engagements for the evening. They congratulated her about the tournament and asked her a few questions.

Finally they were gone, and she was alone. She sank wearily onto her bed, and instantly fell into a deep slumber.

Trixie woke up an hour and a half later. It was still early, only 8:00. She felt rested, and restless. She wanted to go over her day with someone, but everyone else was busy.

She went into the hall, sat in the window seat at the end, and stared at the phone. What would a college freshman be doing at 8:00 on a Friday night? Not sitting in their dorm, bored and waiting for the phone to ring! She snorted at the thought. But she knew she had to try anyway.

She dialed the long-distance number, expecting to get the answering machine. On the second ring a deep, male voice answered, "Boston University Asylum."

Trixie grinned widely. "Hey, College Man. I thought I was the only one who made you crazy!"

Jim Frayne laughed out loud. "This is a completely different kind of crazy, Trix. I miss your craziness, though. What are you doing calling now, anyway? I thought Honey said you guys were going to the movies tonight."

"Yeah, well, I bailed. Then I took a nap. Now I’m bored, so I thought I would check in on you guys. Of course, at this hour on a Friday, I actually expected to get the answering machine."

Jim chuckled. "It’s just early. My plans tonight don’t start until nine."

Trixie grinned. "So, now you’re not a Bob-White, you’re a Night Owl."

Jim laughed. "That’s the nature of the beast here."

"So, do you like it?" Trixie asked. "I can’t believe you’ve been gone two weeks, and I haven’t talked to you at all! Tell me how it’s going."

For the next hour, Jim regaled Trixie with stories about life on campus, adjusting to college, meeting new people, and getting along with the other roommates he and Brian had in their 4-man suite. He talked about how nervous he’d been the first day of school. He told her how much he missed everyone at home, but was adjusting better than he thought he would. He admitted he even felt a little guilty about how easy it seemed to be to settle in, and she assured him that he shouldn’t. He told her how many times his mother had called him the first week and that she was driving him crazy. He talked about the friends he’s made at the first mixer, and the girls that had asked him out. They were both surprised that the conversation wasn’t awkward when he told her about the one date he had gone on a few nights before.

Just as he finished a particularly amusing story about how his first date had ended in a mud puddle, and he was going out with her again tonight to make it up to her, Brian walked in. Brian looked at the clock, then at his best friend chatting away on the phone with no regard for the time. He grinned. He could guess who was on the other end of the line.

Brian cleared his throat. "Uh, Jim, I thought you had a date tonight."

Jim looked at the clock, and his eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, heck, Trixie, I lost track of the time. I’ve really got to go."

Trixie looked at her watch. "You did say you had plans at nine. I hope I haven’t taken up too much of your time."

"I always have time for you. But for now, I’m going to pass off the phone to your big brother, and I’ll talk to you later. Bye." With that, Jim practically threw the phone at Brian and ran out the door.

As Brian picked up the phone he could hear his sister’s laughter. He was relieved that she wasn’t upset that she’d been cut off so Jim could meet up with a college girl for a date. He smiled and said, "So, am I an acceptable substitute for this phone conversation?"

"Oh, Brian, it is so good to hear your voice," Trixie gushed. "I miss you! And as for an acceptable substitute, that’s what Jim was. I really called to talk to you."

"Uh huh, and just where are you trying to get with all this flattery?" Brian chuckled.

Trixie laughed. "Well, what I need is to tell you about my day. Then maybe you can help me figure my way out of the rabbit hole I obviously jumped down."

Brian settled back comfortably on his bunk with a grin. He had a feeling this was going to be a long story. "Okay, Alice, fire away."

*     *     *

By the time Dan had gotten back to Wimpy’s, the Croton guys had been gone and the Bob-Whites were anxious to leave for the Cameo. Honey was a little perturbed that Trixie had gone home without even talking to her, and she sulked until the movie started.

They had gone for the early show and stayed for the second feature. By the time the second movie ended, everyone’s good spirits had returned. The group made their way across the town square to say hello to Hoppy and enjoy a walk in the warm air of late summer. It was still too early in September to really consider it fall, and it was nearly seventy degrees, despite the late hour. They had nearly gotten back to the car when Dan spotted the Croton boys. They were hanging around the Bob-White station wagon, reading the enamel letters on the side.

"Bob-Whites of the Glen! Hey, Buck, aren’t they those goody-two-shoes from Sleepyside High that sent your cousin to jail? Wasn’t that little bit of a girl you barreled into earlier their leader or something?"

The one called Buck laughed derisively. "That little chit needs to grow up. I bet I could teach her a thing or two about being a woman," he leered.

The Bob-Whites stopped in their tracks. They were still a few yards away from the boys, but they could make out every word quite clearly. Mart’s blue eyes burned with fury. His hands balled into fists. He was livid. Dan was perhaps even angrier, as evidenced by the way he became dangerously still. His eyes narrowed, and he assessed the enemy.

Honey and Di looked at each other in terror. They knew the boys could not let that comment go. Then the first boy’s words registered in Honey’s mind. ‘Sent your cousin to jail?’ Who was his cousin?

Honey might as well have spoken out loud, judging by the looks on her friends’ faces. They looked at each other, then back at Buck. Who was he? Who was his cousin? And why were they hanging around Sleepyside?

Just then, Sergeant Molinson walked around the corner. The Croton boys spotted him and took off. Molinson noted the tension amongst the Bob-Whites, and looked at the fleeing figures.

Turning to Mart, Molinson asked, "Now what has your sister gotten herself into?"

Mart’s temper flared. "Trixie didn’t do anything! Why don’t you give her the benefit of the doubt once in a while, for God’s sake!"

Molinson coolly regarded the young man. His face was flushed, his jaw set, and his blue eyes blazed. But the anger there wasn’t really directed at the policeman. And there was something else in his eyes: worry. In a calm, non-confrontational tone, Molinson tried again. "Mart, maybe you had better tell me what’s going on here."

Mart’s expression became anxious. "I wish I knew, Sergeant. I wish I knew."

The four Bob-Whites related their brief contact with the Croton boys. Dan shared the story of Buck’s deliberately knocking into Trixie in Wimpy’s. Mart hadn’t seen that, and he got angry all over again. They gave Molinson a good description of the boys, concentrating on Buck. His brow had furrowed over the comment about sending the cousin to jail. He promised to see if he could figure out who the cousin was. Of course, there was quite a long list of people Trixie had sent to prison. Narrowing it down could take a while.

*     *     *

Trixie had spent the last two hours detailing the events of her week for Brian. She had shared her enthusiasm for school, her concerns about Honey’s attitude toward their schedules, Mart’s disapproval of her study date with Tad, and all the excitement of the basketball tournament. She told him about Chris Zack, and her evening at Wimpy’s. Brian had listened attentively, only commenting or questioning occasionally. That had been fine with Trixie, because she wanted to tell her story.

Now that she was done, however, she wanted more feedback. "Okay, Bri, tell me the truth. Did I make a complete fool out of myself today?"

Brian had known she wanted to discuss how she felt about her week, but that question took him completely by surprise. Did she still have that little self-esteem? How could she possibly think she’d made a fool out of herself?

"Trixie, of course not. Personally, I’m proud of you. You did great!" Brian said. "Why would you think that?"

Trixie hesitated. "Well, I was watching people at Wimpy’s. I could tell what some of them were thinking. Some of the guys think I was being an arrogant show-off. Most of the cheerleaders think I was just trying to make a play for the attentions of the varsity boys. And several of them were more than a little upset about Chris’ invitation, especially Beth Fleming."

Brian remembered Beth Fleming. He snorted. "Trix, Beth thinks that her position as head cheerleader gives her the right to be the girlfriend of the captain of the basketball team. She doesn’t view dating as a relationship, or a boy’s attention as an honor or a privilege. She thinks these things are just her reward for being pretty. Don’t give her opinion another thought. Quite frankly, Beth is just an uppity snot."

Trixie giggled. That description was a little harsher than she was used to hearing from Brian, but it was certainly true. In fact, it must be an understatement if that was how strongly Brian was willing to speak.

"Okay, I’ll ignore her. But what about Chris? I mean, I was flattered. I said yes. But what have I gotten myself into?"

"All he asked was for you to practice with him. You like to play basketball. If Merrissa Parkman wants to play with you, maybe you should go out for the girls’ team," Brian encouraged. "As for what you’ve gotten into, that’s it so far. If Chris is interested in more, he’ll let you know. If you are, you’ll let him know. And if you’re not, you’ll make it loud and clear, right?"

Brian’s tone was teasing, and Trixie laughed. But they both knew what else had been said. Brian was letting Trixie spread her wings. She was a big girl and could make her own decisions, and he wouldn’t get in her way. But if anyone hurt her, Brian would make them sorry. Trixie found this very reassuring.

"Thanks, Brian. Now tell me what to do about Honey and Mart."

Brian exhaled slowly. "Well, any relationship, any friendship, takes work. Just like you and I have to make the time to call or write, so we can stay close while I’m away, you have to do the same with other friendships. You and Honey don’t have classes together, and now you have basketball and studying with Tad. If you are going to stay best friends with Honey, you need to be diligent about making time for her. If you put the effort into it, I’m sure things will work out.

"And as for Mart, ignore him. He’s flexing his muscles in the big brother role, now that I’m not in his way. He’ll get over it; if he doesn’t, let me know. I’ll come home and beat him to a pulp to remind him who the big brother really is," Brian’s wide grin could be heard in his voice.

Trixie felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Talking with Brian didn’t change her world, but it helped her to see things more clearly, and his encouragement meant the world to her.

Hearing her mother coming in the house, Trixie looked at her watch. "Oh, my gosh, Brian, it’s after midnight! I have been on the phone for four hours! Moms and Dad are going to kill me!" Trixie could hear Moms coming up the stairs and knew she should hang up, but she didn’t want to let go of this moment.

Brian was feeling the same, but he didn’t want to get his sister in trouble. He also caught the fact that she’s said four hours, when he’d only been speaking to her for three. She talked to Jim for an entire hour, huh?

"Trix, what are you doing next Friday night?"

Trixie blinked. Where was Brian going with this? "Uhh, nothing that I know of."

"How about I call you next Friday? Believe it or not, this is a great way to spend Friday night."

Trixie grinned. "Really, Brian? You could find yourself some hot chick between now and next Friday, you know." They both laughed.

Helen stopped at the top of the stairs. Although she had been surprised to see Trixie on the phone at this hour, she relaxed when she realized it was Brian. Now she was watching her daughter, studying the emotions flying over her very expressive face.

Brian quickly assured Trixie, "Due to my class schedule, I have decided to relegate my social life to Saturdays and Sundays. I have very late classes on Fridays; in fact, I had just gotten out of class when I got home tonight. And I have no morning classes on Mondays, so I can be out late on Sundays. It seemed like a sensible plan, and I am nothing if not sensible."

Laughing together again, Trixie agreed. "I would love to spend my Friday night on the phone with the most handsome freshman at Boston University. You’ll call me around nine?"

"Yes, Trix, nine o’clock."

"It’s a date!"

"That’s it, little sister. Now you can say you have a date on Friday with a college boy!" They laughed again. "I guess I’d better let you go now," Brian continued reluctantly.

Trixie sighed. "This was great Brian. You have no idea how much this helped. Thank you so much."

"Anytime, Princess," Brian said softly. "I love you."

"I love you, too. I’ll talk to you Friday."

As Trixie said goodbye and hung up the phone, Helen sighed in relief. She had been so worried about Trixie and Brian. She knew Brian’s going away to college had been hard on Trixie, and she knew Brian was worried about his sister. If spending Friday nights on the phone with each other could ease the tension and keep the siblings close, it was worth the price of long-distance. In fact, it was worth a lot more than that.

Trixie continued to sit in the window seat, staring out the window at the stars. Helen came over and stood beside her. She put her arm around her daughter’s shoulder, and kissed the top of her head. Then she gave her a quick squeeze and said, "If you don’t want to deal with the other big brother tonight, you’d better hurry off to bed. He’ll be home any minute."

Smiling at her mother, Trixie silently thanked her for understanding, and for always being there. She gave Moms a quick hug and went wordlessly off to bed.

In the shadows of the moonlight, a silent figure stared up at Trixie’s bedroom window.

 

Chapter Four

Saturday dawned bright and sunny. The members of the Belden clan were normally early birds, but Friday had been an especially late night for all. Everyone had been out, or at least up, until well after midnight.

Despite the late night, Trixie woke up bright and early and started right in on her chores. She decided that, since she had energy to burn, she would be a bit generous with her time. She fed the chickens and did Mart’s morning chores in the coop. Then she dusted in the living room. When she finished that, she started making breakfast. By the time she had finished, her parents and Mart were moving about upstairs.

When Helen arrived in the kitchen, she stopped in her tracks. The table was set, with fresh wildflowers in a vase in the center. There were freshly baked blueberry muffins, crisp bacon, and mountains of scrambled eggs. The smell of coffee brewing wafted through the sunny kitchen, and pitchers of fresh juice and cold milk were set out on the table. Trixie was standing at the sink, washing the cookware so there would be fewer dishes after breakfast.

Hearing her mother enter, Trixie turned and flashed a cheery smile. "Hi, Moms! I thought you deserved a break today. Enjoy your breakfast."

Helen moved to her place at the table, her face puzzled. "Thank you, dear. To what do I owe this honor?" she asked.

"Just for being you," Trixie replied, kissing her mother’s cheek while she dried her hands on a dishtowel.

Peter and Mart entered the kitchen and took their places at the table. Mart appeared to be sleepwalking, but that had never stopped his appetite. He piled his plate high with food and began to shovel it into his mouth. As Trixie sat down, Helen winked at her daughter, her twinkling eyes warning not to mention who had made breakfast. Trixie grinned.

Many years of marriage had taught Peter to read Helen well, and he had not missed any of the exchange with Trixie. He quirked an eyebrow at his wife. She gave him a small smile and shrugged. Peter decided that his head hurt too much from last night’s drinking for him to even begin to fathom what his daughter was up to now. That would have to wait until after breakfast.

It was an unusually quiet meal for the Beldens. With Bobby and Brian not there, Peter having a hangover, and Mart not really awake, Helen chose to enjoy the quiet. She waited until Mart was nearly done, and his mouth was very full. Then she spoke softly but firmly, "Mart, thank your sister for breakfast."

Mart choked on his mouthful of food, swallowed wrong, and began coughing. His eyes watered while he struggled to clear his throat and regain his ability to breath. Trixie and Helen laughed out loud at this display. Peter laughed as well, although he winced and held a palm to his temples. The expression on Mart’s fact was priceless!

Mart looked at his mother in astonishment. "What part did Trixie make?"

Helen smiled and said simply, "Everything."

Mart looked at Trixie. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment. She was staring at her juice, while her fingers did a nervous little dance along the rim of the glass. If he wanted to tease the heck out of her, now would be the perfect time. He mentally reviewed his extensive vocabulary of long and annoying words. Then, for some reason he could not explain, he changed his mind.

"Thanks, Trixie. This is really good." He smiled simply, and then went back to his meal.

Trixie looked up quickly, surprised. "Y-you’re welcome," she stammered.

Peter and Helen had been watching the exchange carefully, especially interested in the mental battle Mart had waged before speaking. His face was just as expressive as Trixie’s, and his thoughts had been very clear to his parents. They exchanged a look. And so our children move on to another new chapter in growing up.

Mart cleared his place and put his dishes in the sink. "I’d better get out to the coop and take care of the chickens."

"All done already," Trixie said quietly.

Three pairs of eyes stared at her in astonishment. She looked up and caught their stares. Flushing brightly, she said, "What? I was up early and had some extra energy. I couldn’t exactly make the beds while you were still in them!"

Trixie jumped up from her place. "Speaking of which, I’d better get that done right now." With that, she turned and ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

After a moment of stunned silence, Mart cleared Trixie’s place. "I guess I’ll do the breakfast dishes, then."

Peter looked at Helen in confusion. "Who was that, and where is my Trixie?"

*     *     *

After Trixie finished her chores, as well as Bobby’s, she walked over to the Lynch Estate to retrieve her little brother from his sleepover. She walked the path through the woods, enjoying the sunlight streaming through the gaps in the trees and the clean, fresh air. Suddenly, she got an eerie feeling that she was being watched. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She stopped and peered into the surrounding woods intently. Seeing nothing, she shrugged and went on.

When Harrison answered the Lynches’ door for her, Diana was just entering the two-story marble front hall. Seeing Trixie, she smiled brightly.

"Good morning, Trix. How was your evening last night?"

Trixie thought about her night and smiled a secret smile. For some reason she could not explain, she did not want to share with her friend how she had actually spent her evening. "It was, um, relaxing," was all she said.

Diana noticed the smile and knew there was more to the story. She looked at her friend closely. There was something different about Trixie. If she had to pinpoint the moment of change, she would have to guess it was the day Brian and Jim had left for college. Di had expected that things would be different with the two oldest Bob-Whites gone, but would never have guessed quite the way things would change.

With Brian and Jim away, Di had expected one of two reactions out of Trixie. The first was that she would be out of control, because the older boys were not there to rein her in and check her impulsive nature. The second was that Trixie would seem lost and rudderless, because she relied so heavily on Brian and Jim for support and guidance.

Instead, Trixie seemed at peace. She was a sea of tranquility, exuding a confidence and maturity that had never been there before. Deciding, for the time being at least, that this was a good thing, Di thought it best to let well enough alone.

"Well, I’m glad you got some rest. You were beat when you left Wimpy’s." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Diana remembered the scene in Wimpy’s parking lot the night before. She did not want to be the one to tell Trixie about it.

Just then, Bobby came barreling down the stairs with his overnight bag over his shoulder. Di heaved a sigh of relief.

Trixie smiled at Di and said her goodbyes. "I’ve got to get this monster home," she chuckled.

Di laughed and waved as she watched them go.

As Trixie walked Bobby back along the path to Crabapple Farm, a silent figure followed along stealthily through the woods.

*     *     *

Mart walked through the woods, deep in thought. He was heading out to Mr. Maypenny’s to meet Dan, and had decided to take a longer trail through the preserve. He wanted to enjoy the warmth of the September sunshine, and to clear his head from the mental fog that had engulfed him all morning.

On the one hand, Mart had known he would miss Brian when he went away. They were friends as well as brothers and spent a great deal of time together. Even having his bedroom to himself seemed weird – almost lonely.

On the other hand, he had expected to feel free. He would not have his big brother around to be sensible, tell him what to do, and protect him. Mart had begun to feel smothered. Although he expected Brian to be protective and bossy with Trixie, he found it annoying when Brian treated him the same way. He wanted some breathing room.

But when Brian left, Mart had suddenly felt responsible for things, especially his sister. Not that she’d managed to get herself in trouble in the last two weeks; actually she’d been unusually quiet. That was worrisome in and of itself. And Brian wasn’t here, so Mart should be the one to worry about it. Great, I get to be the grown-up now. Just what I wanted.

Mart suddenly understood why Brian was always so serious. It wasn’t fair, really. Maybe college would be good for Brian. If he didn’t have to watch his siblings, and set a good example all the time, maybe he would loosen up a little.

Deciding he didn’t want to turn into Overprotective Brian, Mart thought about how he could attack his Trixie problem from a different angle. He needed to be able to talk to her, without fighting. Of course, that would be a lot easier if he didn’t tease her so much. He thought about breakfast that morning. It had actually felt good to just thank her instead of picking on her. Maybe if he resisted the urge to tease more often, it would get easier.

Just then he heard Trixie’s laughter echoing through the forest. He looked in the direction from which the sound was coming and glimpsed two blond heads bobbing along the trail as Trixie walked Bobby home from the Lynches’ house. They were chatting and laughing, enjoying the day and each other. Mart smiled at the way she seemed to brighten the whole area with her mere presence.

His smile quickly turned to a frown as he spied another head through the trees. He could not see the person clearly, but it was obvious he was following Trixie at a discreet distance. Alarm bells began ringing loudly in Mart’s head as he moved to intercept the intruder.

A twig snapped beneath Mart’s foot, and the stranger stopped. He glanced around furtively, then began to slink back into the shadows of the deeper stand of trees off the main trail. Mart followed as quickly as he could, being careful not to attract Trixie’s attention.

He almost lost the stranger twice, but picked up his trail again. He finally followed him to a secluded spot on Glen Road, just as he pealed away in a non-descript small beige sedan. Mart made careful note of every detail he could remember, including the part of the license plate that was not covered by mud. Face etched in a grim mask, he made a beeline for Mr. Maypenny’s to discuss this development with Dan.

*     *     *

By the time Trixie and Bobby got home, they had just enough time to change their clothes before it was time to head to Mrs. Vanderpoel’s house. Trixie grabbed her bookbag and they mounted their bikes to head out. They waived to Mrs. Belden, who was watching them from the kitchen window.

The two youngest Beldens reveled in the glorious late summer day as they enjoyed their bike ride to the lovely yellow cottage Mrs. Vanderpoel called home. Their knock at the door was answered by the owner, a short, stout Dutch woman with rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and a kind and generous heart that shone through her broad smile. She hugged each of the children as she ushered them into the house.

"Bobby, you come and help me in the kitchen. We need to finish baking fresh windmill cookies while we make lunch. Old Brom will be joining us." Mrs. Vanderpoel grinned as Bobby whooped happily. She turned to his sister, "Trixie, you go right on into Tad’s room. He’s waiting for you, and you two need to get to work on your project. We’ll call you when lunch is ready."

Trixie thanked her neighbor and headed down the hall in the direction of Tad’s room. When she reached the door she knocked nervously. She had expected to be studying in the living room, not Tad’s bedroom. Tad answered the door quickly and welcomed her with a deep, elaborate bow.

"Welcome to my humble abode, fair maiden," he greeted her airily. He stepped aside so she could enter the room.

Trixie giggled at his silliness. As she walked past him, she breathed a sigh of relief. In the middle of the room Tad had set up a card table with two chairs opposite each other. On the table he had spread out his French books and the directions for their assignment. The room was neat and clean, and a stereo played softly in the background. Tad made a point of leaving the door wide open as he stepped over to the card table.

Trixie’s initial wariness dissipated. They weren’t going to be studying on his bed or anything, and he was making every effort to make her comfortable. She relaxed and went to sit at the table. They quickly got down to work.

An hour later, Bobby appeared at the door. "Mrs. V. says lunch is ready. Come and get it!" he fairly shouted, as he took off back in the direction of the kitchen.

Trixie looked at her watch in amazement. "I can’t believe we’ve been working for an hour already!"

Tad smiled. "Yes, but look at how much we’ve gotten done. This is going well."

Trixie glanced around her at their various notes and things. She smiled up at Tad and said, "You’re right. We make a great team!"

As they headed toward the kitchen for lunch, her words echoed in Tad’s mind. His thoughts headed in an entirely new direction, taking him by surprise.

After a lively luncheon, punctuated by laughter and fun, Tad and Trixie helped Mrs. Vanderpoel with the dishes. As soon as they were done, she shooed them away. "You kids go and finish your homework. Brom and I will be out in the garden with Bobby if you need anything."

The pair headed back to Tad’s room and returned to their project. An hour later, Tad declared that they needed a break. "We’ve done so much already, and it’s not due for two more weeks!"

"But we were on a roll," Trixie pouted. Then she grinned and asked, "I’m actually enjoying homework, and you want me to stop?"

Tad returned her grin. He had suggested stopping so they had an excuse to get together again, but he didn’t really want her to leave. "Well, maybe we can change subjects or something," he suggested. "I’m tired of French for today."

Trixie wrinkled her nose. "The only other homework I have this weekend is geometry, and I hate that."

"Why is that?" Tad asked curiously, leaning toward her.

Trixie shrugged ruefully, "I’ve never done well in math. I just have this mental block, I guess."

Tad was amazed at how visible the sudden nosedive in her mood was. The mere mention of math caused her self-esteem to crumble. Something in her vulnerability touched him; he wanted to reach out to her, hold her, and tell her how wonderful she really was.

Instead, he suggested, "Why don’t I help you? I did fairly well in geometry last year."

A bright smile lit up her face. "Really? You wouldn’t mind?"

Tad laughed. "Of course not! You said it yourself: we make a great team. Surely we can whip a few math problems into shape."

As they worked on Trixie’s math homework, they wandered off into side conversations several times. The song on the stereo prompted a long discussion of music. After getting back on track for a couple of problems, they drifted off into an analysis of the previous day’s basketball tournament. Trixie blushed at Tad’s compliments, and dove back into the math problems.

When they finally finished the problems, Trixie was amazed that she actually understood the lesson. "Wow! It’s like when all the pieces of a mystery come together. It makes complete sense!"

Her excitement shone. Her blue eyes sparkled brightly. Her smile lit her entire face. She radiated life, and joy, and happiness. Tad compared this vision to her expression earlier, and was glad to have helped her with the transformation. He realized he wanted to continue to be a part of this electricity she radiated.

Taking a deep breath, he plunged right in. "Why don’t we make a regular habit of this? We can work on French together, and I can help you with your math."

Trixie studied his expression. She had always needed help with her homework, and she had been wondering what she would do with Jim and Brian away. She knew Dan didn’t have a lot of free time, and she really didn’t want to have to rely on Mart. Deciding Tad seemed to genuinely want to help her, she agreed.

"That would be great, Tad. I could really use the help."

They compared their schedules for the week. Tad made mental note of her basketball "dates" with Chris Zack. They agreed to get together Wednesday evening.

After Trixie had gathered her things she went to retrieve her brother. As they walked out to the garden, she and Tad were discussing their study plans for Wednesday. When Mrs. Vanderpoel heard about them, she insisted that Trixie come for dinner. Trixie was only too glad to accept. Bobby frowned, knowing he wouldn’t be allowed to come then.

"Can’t we do this again, Trixie?" Bobby whined. "I had lots of fun today!"

Tad jumped in quickly. "Of course, Bobby. We’ll do this again next Saturday, so you can come too."

Then he realized he was making plans for others without consulting them. He looked around sheepishly, expecting to find condemnation in their faces. Instead, Mrs. Vanderpoel was nodding her head approvingly, a gleam in her eye. Trixie was giving him a grateful look for having appeased Bobby. Tad relaxed, and smiled inwardly. Being nice to Bobby Belden was easy; if that’s all it took to get Trixie to look at him that way, it was a small price to pay.

*     *     *

Mart had filled Dan in on the man in the woods. Dan had become anxious and planned to look for signs of intruders during his patrols of the preserve. After a quick phone call to verify that he was on duty, they drove in tense silence to the police station to talk to Sergeant Molinson.

In his office, Mart relayed his entire story of the man following Trixie in the woods. He described the beige sedan in great detail, including the year, make, model, and the partial license tag number. Unfortunately, he had not really gotten a good look at the man. He gave the sergeant what information he could, based on having only seen glimpses of him through the trees.

Sergeant Molinson stared at him thoughtfully. "Your sister isn’t trying to investigate this herself?" he asked.

Mart shook his head. "She doesn’t know anything about it. I’m sure if she did, she would be trying to solve this one on her own, but she’s not even involved in a mystery right now."

Molinson shook his head. "She really is a mystery magnet, isn’t she?"

Dan chuckled ruefully, "That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you for years. She doesn’t even look for this garbage; it finds her."

"Any chance you can keep her from going into the woods alone for a few days?" the sergeant asked hopefully.

"Yeah, right," Mart snorted. "The best I can promise is to spy on her. But isn’t that what I’m asking you to investigate? People spying on her?"

"You know, if this were anyone else I would probably dismiss it as nothing," Molinson sighed. "Of course, it would probably be something, and Trixie would end up solving some major kidnapping plot for me." The three men laughed.

"Alright, boys. You keep an eye on Troublesome Trixie, and I’ll investigate from this end." He fixed them with a stern stare before continuing, "And if you see anything at all, you let me know right away."

Mart and Dan nodded. They took their leave of the policeman somberly, and headed off in silence.

Both boys were lost in thought as they drove out to Glen Road. They headed for the stables, and saddled a couple of horses. Regan noticed they were quiet, but thought it better to ask about it later.

Once out on the trails in the preserve, Dan cleared his throat. "So the first question is: Do we let Trixie know about this?"

Mart’s head snapped around and he fixed his friend with an intense glare. "Absolutely not!" he declared adamantly.

Dan calmly assessed his friend. He knew what Mart was thinking: I’ve got to keep Trixie out of trouble. The problem was, that was always easier said than done.

"Okay, but what about Honey and Di?" Dan asked. "On the one hand, they are more likely to tell Trixie. On the other hand, the more eyes we have watching, the less likely we are to miss something important."

Mart was silent for a long moment, then released his breath slowly. His mind was churning. "I think, for the moment, that their blabbermouths are more dangerous than their eyes are helpful."

Dan nodded knowingly. Okay, we’ve decided what not to do. But what do we do?

*     *     *

Dinner at the Belden house was an odd affair. Mart was deep in thought, but would occasionally study Trixie intently. Trixie seemed quiet and content, but her thoughts were definitely elsewhere. Bobby chattered on non-stop about his wonderful day, the stories Old Brom had told, and the wonderful things Mrs. Vanderpoel had made for lunch.

When Bobby exclaimed in joy that they were "doing this again" next Saturday, the elder Beldens looked at Trixie for confirmation. She seemed not to hear. She had a far away look in her eyes, and a slight smile played at the corners of her mouth. They looked back at each other. Helen smirked, and Peter rolled his eyes. It took a considerable amount of willpower for Helen not to laugh out loud at her husband.

Mart had not been paying much attention to Bobby, but he had tuned in just in time to catch his last remark. Mart observed the exchange between his parents, as well as the expression on Trixie’s face. He scowled.

Tad was Mart’s friend. He’d had some trouble a couple of years ago, but he’d straightened himself out. When his older brother, Spider, had taken a job with the police force in White Plains, the Webster boys had moved from Mrs. Vanderpoel’s warm and loving home in Sleepyside to a small apartment in White Plains. Tad had been miserable. Over the summer Spider had decided to commute to White Plains and moved with his brother back to Mrs. Vanderpoel’s house.

Mart had greeted his old friend with open arms. He was actually glad Tad was back. However, there was a big difference between being a good friend, and being good enough for your little sister. Besides, Trixie was only fifteen! That was too young for him to have to worry about her dating, right?

She’s three months older than Diana, dummy! Mart’s stomach sank. He definitely thought of Di as old enough to date. But they were so different! For one thing, Di was interested in boys and dating. Trixie had never been interested in that stuff. Has that changed, too?

After she finished eating, Trixie got up to clean up her place. Helen was just bringing in the lemon meringue pie she had made that afternoon. Seeing that her daughter was headed for the kitchen with her dirty dishes, Helen quirked an eyebrow. "Not staying for dessert, Trixie?" she asked.

"Oh, Moms, thanks, but I’m just too full," Trixie said absentmindedly. "I’ve eaten so much today; I would really hate to pop the buttons on all my new school clothes already." With that she headed into the kitchen, and started to wash the dishes.

Helen’s jaw dropped. She recovered quickly when she saw the looks on Peter’s and Mart’s faces. She narrowed her eyes at them both, and conveyed her message clearly: Not one word, I swear!

*     *     *

The Bob-Whites gathered in the clubhouse that evening. Honey was the last to arrive, and she rushed in breathlessly and glowing with excitement.

"Sorry I’m late," she panted. "I just got off the phone with Jim, and I lost track of time."

Trixie was reading a book on the couch beneath the window. Without looking up she asked, "Oh, really? How did his date go last night?"

Four pairs of eyes stared at her in shock. The silence finally caught her attention. She looked up and glanced at them, noticing the question in their eyes. "What? I called Brian last night to ask him something, and Jim answered. He had to go because he had a date. I just wondered how it went!" She rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation. "Never mind! Forget I asked!"

Firmly turning her concentration back to her book, Trixie proceeded to ignore the others. She felt slightly guilty, because she knew she had implied that Jim had brushed her off. That wasn’t true at all, and she shouldn’t make it sound like he’d been rude or anything; but for some reason she couldn’t explain, she didn’t want to share her conversations of the previous evening with her friends. They were private, and special to her. The others wouldn’t understand that. They would want to know everything they talked about, and Trixie’s conversation with Brian was simply not going to be fodder for a group discussion.

Of course, her friends misinterpreted her silence and assumed she was bothered that Jim had gone on a date. It was no secret that there was a special friendship between Trixie and Jim. Everyone had expected that sooner or later the two would end up dating. Of course, they also assumed that Jim simply felt Trixie was too young right now, or shouldn’t be tied down when he was so far away, or some other honorable excuse. They couldn’t understand that the truth was so much more complicated; neither Jim nor Trixie could have explained it at all, if pressed. But they understood each other, and that was all that mattered.

Trying to bring the attention off of Trixie, Diana asked Honey what Jim had had to say. Honey told them some of the stories of college life he had shared. While seeming to ignore the conversation, Trixie made note that they were some of the ones he had already told her. They also seemed to be less detailed in Honey’s version. Knowing Honey, that did not mean she was glossing over them; she was explaining things with every minute detail her brother had given her. It was with no small amount of satisfaction that Trixie realized Jim had been much more open with her about his college experiences than he had been with his sister.

Honey went on to say that she had talked her mother into taking her to Boston to visit Brian and Jim the following weekend. "Of course, I didn’t have to do much talking. She just wanted an excuse to go and check up on Jim for herself," she grinned.

Trixie groaned inwardly. Please, please let them leave Brian alone on Friday night!

After a few more comments about Jim, Honey finally got down to business. "What was the point of this meeting, again?"

"You mean the meeting that hasn’t begun yet?" Dan drawled. "If Madame President would get her nose out of her book, maybe she would call the meeting to order."

Trixie stuck her tongue out at him, making them all laugh. After carefully placing her bookmark, she stood and walked to her proper place at the table. She grabbed her gavel and held it in the air. She looked at Brian’s seat, then Jim’s, and sighed. Then she pounded the gavel and called the meeting to order.

"Okay, as I recall, we were supposed to have been coming up with ideas to help the athletic department," Trixie began. "I know Coach Epperly is part of the committee that organizes the huge basketball tournament every winter, and I know last year one of the complaints was a lack of available refreshments. I thought maybe we could talk to Coach and Mr. Stratton and see about organizing the refreshments for the tournament. If we split the proceeds between the athletic department and some major charity, we could get a lot of support."

When she finally paused for a breath, Mart interrupted. "Trix, that tournament is huge. So big, in fact, that it requires three schools to host it. How do you propose to manage that?"

Trixie looked at Mart, and he could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. Dan rolled his eyes. Oh, no, here we go again.

"Well, we could offer to coordinate. We could approach the administration at Round Point and Central to see if there are clubs there that would organize things at their site. We could take in all the funds. We would all be working for the same charity. The portion that goes to the athletic department would be split between the three schools. Everyone wins."

Diana looked thoughtful. "What if the support is much larger at one site than at the others? Is it fair that we all take an equal share if we are not doing equal work?"

Honey said, "Well, we could give each school as much as they make. But a lot of the attendance at the games depends on which schools are playing. In order to get better attendance, the schools would fight over who got to host the better teams, which would complicate the arrangement of the tournament. It would all go much more smoothly if we all agree ahead of time that we share equally."

"Exactly!" Trixie crowed. She could see the excitement building amongst her friends. She could feel the thrill of finding a way to help others. This was almost as good a feeling as finding a mystery.

The group proceeded to discuss their plans, brainstorm, and plot out meetings with the necessary authority figures. They needed to bring their ideas before the school administration and the tournament committee to get approval before they could begin soliciting help from their schoolmates or the students at the other schools.

As they wrapped up for the evening, Mart concluded, "As usual, the fair Beatrix has proposed a most elaborate and convoluted method for benefiting the disadvantaged element of our society whom she currently has the aspiration to assist. And as usual, we will end up her enthusiastic servants. I suppose this should be a most satisfactory conclusion to our congregation for this eventide."

Amid groans and laughter, the group straightened up the clubhouse to close it up for the evening.

Trixie approached Honey hesitantly. "Hon, what are you doing tomorrow?"

Honey looked at her in surprise. She was caught off-guard by her friend’s timid demeanor. "I don’t have anything planned. Why?"

Trixie bit her bottom lip. "Well, it’s just that we haven’t had much chance this week to spend any time together. I was hoping we could go riding or something. Just the two of us."

Honey smiled. "That sounds great! I would really like that, Trix."

Trixie visibly relaxed as she smiled back; she’d been worried about how her friend would respond to her gesture. Honey realized this with a pang of self-recrimination. I really have been rotten to her this week, haven’t I?

She laid her hand gently on her friend’s arm and spoke softly, "Trix, your school schedule, basketball, and study dates are not enough to ruin our friendship. I promise. I’m sorry I was making such a big deal out of everything."

The little blonde smiled softly up at her honey-haired friend. "I will always have time for you, Honey," she promised.

They hugged each other before heading off home for the night.

As he locked the clubhouse behind the girls, Mart felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He glanced around nervously, then looked at Dan. His best friend’s dark eyes stared back at him with the same worried look.

As they walked the girls home, the boys continued to scan the surrounding trees with searching eyes. Despite their best efforts, however, neither one saw the silent shadow hovering near the rear of the clubhouse.

 

Chapter Five

On Sunday, Trixie headed up to Manor House in the late morning to meet Honey for their ride. Mart walked her up before heading off to meet Dan. He didn’t want to look like he was watching her, but he really didn’t want her walking around alone. Going to see Dan was a convenient excuse to have to walk in that direction.

At Manor House, Celia showed Trixie into the living room and told Trixie that Honey would be down in a minute. Madeleine Wheeler was just finishing a song on the piano when Trixie entered. As she finished she smiled at her daughter’s friend.

"So Trixie, how are you today?" she asked politely.

"Just great, Mrs. Wheeler," Trixie replied. "Honey tells me you are going to visit Jim next weekend."

Maddie nodded.

Trying to sound casual, Trixie asked, "So, when will you get there?"

Maddie noticed how nervous Trixie seemed to be, so she watched her carefully as she responded, "We are going in to New York on Friday after school. We plan to have dinner with some friends before heading for Boston, so we won’t arrive until late Friday night. We’ll go right to the hotel, and we’ll go see the boys in the morning."

Trixie tried to hide her relief, but Maddie noticed anyway. Her curiosity was piqued, but she didn’t think asking Trixie outright would get her anywhere.

Honey came bursting into the room just then. The two girls started laughing at something Honey said, and with a wave to Maddie, they headed off to the stables.

Maddie watched them go, then headed for the phone. I’ve just got to ask Helen about this!

*     *     *

The next couple of days passed uneventfully. Tuesday afternoon Trixie headed to the elementary school to pick up Bobby, and they went to the community center together. Bobby started his Squirts basketball league, and Trixie met up with Chris, Merrissa and Paul.

She was a little nervous at first, but the four quickly settled into a comfortable rhythm together. They didn’t play cutthroat; rather, they all tried to help each other increase their game skills. Since Trixie was new to the group, they concentrated on learning her strengths and weaknesses, while letting her learn theirs.

When they called it a day, they gathered together at the bench. The boys grabbed water bottles and took long swigs. Merrissa mopped her damp face with a towel. Trixie took a sip of water, then brushed her curls back off her forehead.

Merrissa watched her and said, "You know, Trixie, if you let your hair grow out it’s easier to pull back. It helps to stay cooler while you play."

Trixie nodded. "I just might do that, Merrissa."

With a grin Merrissa said, "Call me Riss."

Trixie’s eyes widened. "I heard that you beat people up who try that."

Chris and Paul burst out laughing. Merrissa flushed in embarrassment. Then she chuckled and said, "Yeah, well, I usually do. Only a select few are invited to call me that, like Chris and Paul. I hereby invite you to do so."

Trixie placed her hand over her heart. Her face was deadly serious, but her eyes twinkled as she said, "I am most humbly honored. You have bestowed upon me a great gift. I will treat it as such." Am I starting to sound like Mart? No, that’s more like something Tad would say.

They all laughed together. Paul threw his arm around Riss’ shoulder and announced, "Well, we’re headed to Wimpy’s. Care to join us?"

Chris looked at Trixie. "Do you need to get your brother right home?"

Trixie flushed, and nodded. "I promised my mother to get him home before dinner." She was feeling like a little kid, tagging along with the big kids but not really being old enough to do what they did.

Chris sensed her discomfort, and wanted to put her at ease. "No problem. I think I told my mom I’d be home for dinner tonight." He turned to Riss and Paul, "We’ll take a raincheck."

As they said goodbye and left, Merrissa made note of the fact that Chris had said "we." Interesting. Very Interesting.

Chris turned to Trixie. "Come on, Blue Eyes. Let’s go grab your brother so we can get you home," he said as he grabbed her hand in his and headed for the door.

Trixie’s heart skipped a beat. His voice had turned the words "Blue Eyes" into a sweet, gentle caress. His hand felt so warm and comfortable holding hers. He only wants to play basketball with me, right? He’s not interested in anything else, right? But am I?

*     *     *

Mart and Dan took the bus home after school and went right to the clubhouse to study together for a quiz the next day. They stopped short upon arriving at the door, however. There before their horrified eyes was a dead quail, a knife thrust through its body, pinning it to the door. A bob-white quail, to be specific.

Mart paled. Dan’s face turned red. Fighting back his anger, Dan said succinctly, "Stay here. I’m going to the stable to call Molinson."

Dan turned on his heel and stalked off toward the stable. He stormed into Regan’s office and grabbed the phone. Regan had seen him coming, and followed him into the office to see what was wrong. He listened as Dan asked for Molinson, then as he told the officer what he and Mart had found at the clubhouse. After promising to meet Molinson at the old gatehouse in a few minutes, Dan hung up the phone and looked to see his uncle, hands on hips, frowning at him anxiously.

"Dan," Regan began.

Dan cut him off. "Don’t even ask what Trixie’s up to. The answer is nothing. Someone is stalking her, and she doesn’t even know it. And I don’t want her to know."

Regan ran his hand through his red hair and sighed in exasperation. "That may not be wise, Dan. How can she be careful if she doesn’t know she’s in danger?"

Dan gave the groom a pointed look. "And when has danger ever caused Trixie to be careful?" he asked in irritation.

Giving the younger man a rueful smile, Regan had to agree with that. "Come on, let’s go meet Molinson," he said. He gave his nephew a clap on the back, and the two headed off to join Mart at the clubhouse.

*     *     *

After Molinson and one of his officers had dusted for fingerprints and collected the quail and the knife as evidence, he sent the other officer back to the station with the evidence. He stayed to speak with Mart, Dan and Regan.

"Where is Trixie now?" he asked them.

Dan glanced at his watch and saw that it was 4:45. "She should be home in a while. She was playing basketball at the Community Center until about five o’clock."

"Do you need to go pick her up?" Molinson wondered.

"Not at all," Mart said, sounding very annoyed. "Chris Zack will be driving her home," he ground out.

Molinson raised an eyebrow. He exchanged a look with Regan, and both men fought to keep their amusement off their faces.

"Have you seen any other signs of someone following her since Saturday?" the sergeant asked, steering the conversation back on track.

Both boys shook their heads. Dan spoke, "We’ve been watching, and she hasn’t gone much of anywhere except school. Even when she went riding with Honey on Sunday, we followed discreetly."

Regan frowned. "You were worried about someone following her, and you let her go riding?" he asked incredulously.

Mart sighed in exasperation. "If I tried to stop her, then she’d want to know why. I do not want her trying to figure this out on her own!"

Molinson hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "As much as I’d like to keep her out of this, if anything more serious happens we’re going to have to tell her. You know she notices things we don’t. She may have information without realizing it."

Dan’s jaw dropped. Then he started to laugh. "You are so lucky I don’t have a tape recorder, Sergeant. Ooh, the blackmail potential that would have!"

Regan and Mart started laughing. Molinson turned red, and grumbled good-naturedly. Then he cleared his throat. "Oh, I almost forgot. I haven’t found anything out about that Buck person, except this: two Croton High jackets were stolen from the locker room at the school last week."

The laughter abruptly ended. It was a somber group that said their goodbyes and went their separate ways a few minutes later.

 

Chapter Six

On Wednesday evening Trixie went to study with Tad. She came home smiling and excited that she was actually understanding, and liking, math. She was bubbling over with enthusiasm.

Thursday morning on the bus, Mart sat with Di as usual. Honey and Dan sat together across the aisle, and Trixie sat alone in front of them. She was turning in her seat to talk to her friends, when the bus arrived at the stop for Mrs. Vanderpoel’s house. As Tad got on the bus, Trixie smiled and waved at him.

At Trixie’s greeting, Tad’s face lit up. His answering smile was wide and warm. He walked back to where she was sitting. She slid over to make room for him to sit with her. As he sat down Trixie grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Oh, Tad, thank you so much for last night! I feel so good about going to class today. I just know what a difference this is going to make in my grades," Trixie gushed.

Tad laughed at her excitement. "Anytime, Trix, anytime. I assume we’ll be working on math again on Saturday, as well."

"Of course! I need all the help I can get."

"Well, you’ve got me twice a week. Let me know if that’s not enough," Tad smiled as he spoke. Behind his words was another offer, and he was waiting to see if Trixie picked up on it.

Trixie’s smile turned shy. Her heart did a funny little dance. She wasn’t sure if she’d heard what she thought she’d heard.

Mart certainly had, however.

"I’m sure between her study time with you and her basketball dates with Chris Zack, Trixie barely has enough time left to do her chores. And if you think I’m doing her chores so she can hang out with you, Webster, you’re nuts!"

Honey glared at Mart, and Diana gave him an angry jab to the ribs. Trixie just turned beet red and turned to stare out the window. Dan watched Trixie’s reaction and glowered at Mart.

The comment about dates with Chris Zack had hit home for Tad, just at Mart had intended. However, he was more bothered by the fact that Trixie was embarrassed, and her feelings hurt. Mart Belden had better watch out!

Turning to face the boy in question, Tad struggled to remain calm. "I know your parents well enough to know that if Trixie needed that much help with her homework, they would make other arrangements for her chores." Speaking slowly and deliberately, he continued, "I know Trixie well enough to know that she wouldn’t shirk her duties. And I know I’d be more than willing to help her with her chores if that’s what she needed to find enough time to study. So I really wouldn’t work yourself into a lather about your sister’s chores interfering with your social life, Mart!"

Tad purposely turned his back on Mart and faced forward. Trixie turned her head to look at him, gratitude shining in her eyes. She whispered, "Thank you, Tad."

Tad smiled softly and grabbed her hand. Lacing his fingers with hers, he whispered back, "You’re welcome." He was rewarded with one of her brilliant, breath-taking smiles.

Mart held his head in his hands and tore at his hair. He had made happen exactly what he didn’t want to happen: Tad was now Trixie’s hero.

Honey, Di and Dan struggled to maintain their composure. Way to go Tad! They avoided looking at each other. No one wanted to be the first to burst into laughter.

*     *     *

When the bus reached school, the students filed off and headed into the building. Trixie very pointedly ignored Mart, and walked ahead with Tad, still holding his hand. Mart scowled and followed them at a distance. Honey and Di shrugged. They had to go to their lockers, so they weren’t really following Trixie. Dan walked with Mart, hoping to diffuse the situation.

When Trixie reached her locker she opened the lock automatically, still talking to Tad. She wasn’t looking into her locker when she opened it, so she didn’t notice its contents. Diana did, and screamed loudly. Trixie looked at her friend, then followed her frightened gaze.

Hanging inside Trixie’s locker was a large rag doll. The doll had blond hair hanging down in perfect ringlets, and it wore a red jacket. The doll had a noose around its neck, and its head was bent at a strange angle. The doll also had a large butcher’s knife stabbed through its chest.

Attached to the handle of the knife was a short note: I WILL GET YOU.

"Goddammit!" Mart yelled.

Dan punched the nearest locker, the clanging of the metal echoing down the hallway.

Upon seeing the doll, Trixie’s stomach had leapt to her throat and her heart raced with fear. Her brother’s reaction, though, had startled and distracted her. She studied his face, then Dan’s. They were furious; they were disgusted; they were worried; but what was more important was what they were not: they were not surprised.

Blue eyes narrowing with suspicion, she moved to stand toe-to-toe with Mart. He would not meet her eyes. "I think you have a lot of explaining to do," she hissed at him.

Diana’s scream and Mart’s swearing had attracted the attention of the nearest faculty members. Principal Stratton and Coach Epperly had been nearby, helping to maintain order with the normal morning traffic in the crowded hallway. Mr. Stratton took a quick look into Trixie’s locker and pulled out his walkie-talkie. He radioed the main office to call the police immediately. He told the Bob-Whites not to go anywhere, then he and Coach began to wave off the gathering crowd of students attracted by all the commotion.

When Molinson arrived with another officer, he briefly looked at Mart and Dan before examining Trixie’s locker. He would not look the young girl in the face. He also refrained from speaking to her. He did not ask what she was up to, what trouble she was causing, or why she had not called him sooner.

Molinson’s lack of questions was the final straw. Fury blazing brightly in her eyes, Trixie stamped her foot and yelled, "Someone had better tell me what the hell is going on!"

Honey and Di had been quietly standing nearby. They were shaken by the sight of the doll, and by Mart and Dan’s reactions. They were quietly conversing with Tad, Mr. Stratton and Mr. Epperly right up until Trixie’s outburst. She never swore, but then, she’d never been this angry before.

Honey wanted to be tactful, but she was also angry. "Sergeant," she began, "is there some reason why you don’t seem surprised to see something this disgusting hanging in Trixie’s locker?" Her voice sounded harsh, and her hazel eyes shone with suspicion.

Molinson looked at the faces around him. This conversation could get ugly. He asked Mr. Stratton if the group could possibly retire to the principal’s conference room. Mr. Stratton agreed that a private conversation would be in order, and he began herding the young people to his office. The sergeant stopped to relay instructions to his officer regarding the evidence before following them down the hall.

After everyone was settled in the conference room and the door was tightly shut, Sergeant Wendell Molinson turned to face his own private firing squad in the person of one very irate Trixie Belden. The policeman felt decades older than his 27 years, and he swore every grey hair on his head had Trixie’s name on it. The only strategy he had to deflect her anger was the equivalent of playing a very dirty trick on all the other Bob-Whites, but it was all he had at this point. Cringing at the depths to which he was sinking, he forged ahead.

"Let’s start at the beginning. I believe that would put us at Wimpy’s on Friday night. Honey, why don’t you start?"

Honey looked like she’d been slapped. How could he make her look like part of this conspiracy? She looked at Trixie, who was now staring at her with murder in her eyes. Hesitantly, she told what she knew of Friday night.

When Honey finished, Sergeant Molinson moved on without pausing. "Okay, Mart, you’re up. Go to Saturday morning in the woods."

Mart quietly and unemotionally told his story. Dan was next, telling about the clubhouse on Tuesday. By the time they were finished, Trixie was livid. She jumped up and paced about, ranting and raving about every single time she had been reprimanded for not telling others what she was up to, and how she was supposed to share information with the police, but they obviously did not have to reciprocate – even when it was a matter of life and death. In mid-rant she stopped. After a moment of pregnant silence, she began to laugh. She fell back into her chair and laughed hysterically.

Coach Epperly cleared his throat. "Uh, Trixie, perhaps we could all share in the joke?" he asked cautiously.

Trixie managed to stop laughing long enough to say, "I’m not the one hiding information from my parents. I can’t wait to see the sergeant try and explain this conspiracy of silence to them." Then she started laughing again.

Coach Epperly pictured Peter’s reaction. He looked at Molinson, then joined in Trixie’s laughter. Tad looked amused, but refrained from actually laughing at the sergeant. Molinson looked decidedly embarrassed. Mart, Dan, Honey and Di looked more than a little green.

Principal Stratton sighed and reached for the phone. "Might as well get this over with right now."

*     *     *

By lunchtime, Trixie was still furious with the Bob-Whites. When she walked into the cafeteria, she made a point of looking disdainfully at the group seated around their usual table. Then she turned up her nose and walked in the opposite direction. Unfortunately for Tad, he was sitting with Dan and Mart discussing the events of the morning.

Trixie walked away, without any idea where to go. She just knew she wasn’t going to sit with them. Chris, Riss and Paul waved her over to their table. She smiled and went to join them. And so the high school gossip mill began churning: trouble amongst the Bob-Whites, the very exclusive group of seniors letting a sophomore join them, the way Chris smiled at Trixie, the look on Tad’s face when he noticed, etc.

As Trixie sat down next to Chris, he looked at her with concern. "We heard what happened this morning. Are you okay?"

Trixie shrugged. "I guess. People are acting like I should be scared, but this seems like a prank to me. Besides, when you’ve been held at gunpoint as many times as I have you begin to get a little numb to fear." She smiled ruefully, "I suppose that’s a very bad thing. It’ll get me in trouble someday."

Riss laughed. "As if you haven’t been in trouble before?"

"Exactly!" Trixie joined her laughter. "Besides, I refuse to let fear run my life."

Chris still looked worried. "Do your parents want you to go right home after school?"

"Oh, no," she assured him. "I can still practice, as long as I meet all their conditions: 1) I have to go to the community center with at least one of you, I cannot walk alone; 2) I have to come right home afterwards; and 3) I can’t decide to enjoy the weather and walk home – I have to let Chris drive me."

"No problem," Chris said determinedly. "I have no intention of letting you wander around alone. I’ll be with you the whole time."

Trixie knew she should be annoyed that he was acting as over-protective as Jim and Brian ever had. Instead, she was busy trying to ignore the warm feeling she got when he said that. She was also trying to ignore the knowing look Riss was giving her.

*     *     *

The rest of the day passed without incident. Trixie enjoyed the very long lecture Mart received from their parents at dinner, but other than that there was no further discussion of the situation.

There were no troublesome incidents on Friday from the standpoint of the case, but from the view of the Bob-Whites the day was a disaster. Trixie spoke to no one at the bus stop. She sat up front on the bus instead of in the Bob-Whites’ usual seats in the rear. She ate lunch with Chris and company again. By this time the rumor mill was running overtime, and people were making comments to the group in the halls.

In French class, Tad slipped Trixie a note. She ignored it at first. Halfway through class he tilted his notebook toward her. In huge letters sprawled across the entire page he had written, "Please, Trix."

She finally relented and read his note.

Trixie,

I do not agree with the decision the guys made to hide things from you. I think they were wrong. However, your brother loves you and was trying to protect you. Same with Dan. And the girls didn’t know about most of the stuff.

You are hurting them and yourself. You guys are best friends, and have weathered worse storms than this. Forgive me for being blunt, but get off your high horse.

Spend the weekend working through this. Please.

Tad

Trixie glared at him. He pleaded with her with his handsome turquoise-blue eyes. He is so hard to resist! She rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders noncommittally. When the bell rang, she grabbed her things and left quickly, so he couldn’t try to talk to her again.

She had calmed down by the time she got on the bus to go home, but she still sat in front, this time allowing Tad to sit with her. They talked quietly, and she did end up promising to think about what he’d said. They made plans for him to pick her up for their study date, so she wouldn’t be biking or walking through the woods.

At the stop for Crabapple Farm, all the Bob-Whites got off. Trixie ran ahead into the house and grabbed her mother’s hand. She pulled Moms up into her room and shut the door.

"Moms, make them go away. I don’t want to talk to them."

Helen looked at her sympathetically. "Sweetie, you have to talk to them sometime. I know you’re mad at them, but is this really worth destroying the Bob-Whites?"

"No, it’s not." Trixie shook her head vehemently. "However, I don’t want to do this today. I want to be left alone tonight, and I will talk to them tomorrow. Make them go out tonight."

Her mother hesitated. Trixie pleaded, "Please, Moms."

Helen finally nodded. Trixie wanted to talk to Brian before she talked to the others. Helen knew Brian would calm his sister down and talk some sense into her. She also knew that the conversation would go better if the rest of the group didn’t try to get involved in it. "Alright," she sighed. "I’ll get rid of them. But you had better talk to them tomorrow."

Trixie threw her arms around her mother. "Thanks, Moms. I knew you would  understand!"

 

Chapter Seven

Honey wanted to straighten things out with Trixie before leaving on the weekend trip with her mother.  She and Maddie had planned leave that evening for New York, and then travel on to Boston; but Honey felt badly about leaving her best friend with hard feelings between them. 

Mrs. Belden had some trouble convincing the distraught girl that a visit with her brother would give Trixie time to calm down; eventually Honey agreed to go, with assurances from Helen that everything would be worked out by the time she returned home on Monday.

Mart, Dan and Di were convinced to have dinner at Wimpy’s and go to the show at the Cameo, but only after a loud, angry argument between Mart and Peter.  In fact, Mart was ordered to spend the night at Mr. Maypenny’s with Dan.  They dropped Bobby off at the Lynches’ to sleep over on their way into town.

Finally, Trixie and her parents were the only ones left at home.  They had a quiet dinner, then Trixie went to her room to do homework.  At 7:30 the phone rang.  Knowing it was much too early to be Brian, Trixie ignored it.  A minute later, however, her mother called up the stairs.

“Trixie, telephone,” Helen said.

“I don’t want to talk to anyone!” Trixie yelled back.

Helen smirked.  “Is that really what you want me to tell Jim?” she asked.

Instantly, Helen heard footsteps running for the hall extension.  “I’ve got it!” Trixie called to her mother, and Helen hung up the living room phone.

She heard Jim chuckling.  “Dare I ask whose calls you’re avoiding?” he asked.

“Listen, College Man, the only reason I’m talking to you is that you’re in Boston.  And you’re my best friend.  And you aren’t part of the local conspiracy to make my life miserable.  And you don’t attend Sleepyside High.”

Jim laughed out loud.  “Is that all it takes to get an audience with your majesty today?”

“That, and the admission price of Tales of College Life.  I’d much rather hear about that than anything in this traitorous town.”

It was clear that Trixie was irritated about something, and seemed to think that listening to Jim’s stories would take her mind off her problems.  Jim knew her well enough to know that she wasn’t ready to talk, and if he pushed, he’d only set off her temper.  If he talked long enough to relax her, maybe he could get her to tell him about whatever was bothering her.

He talked for quite a while about his week, his classes, his friends, and a party he’d attended.  She listened, asked questions, and made comments.  She relaxed, and he felt better than he had in days.  He had missed her terribly this week.  He loved talking to Trixie, and sharing everything with her.

Then she asked how his date had gone the previous Friday.  He hesitated before telling her about it.  After he told her the story, he asked why she’d wanted to know.

“Well, I’m sure you remember how good I am at opening my mouth for the sole purpose of changing feet,” she said, and he laughed.  “I did that last Saturday.  When Honey got off the phone with you, I asked her how your date went.  And then the whole gang became intensely interested in how I’d known you had a date. Oh, and I owe you an apology, too, because I sounded like you brushed me off to go rushing off to your date.  When I realized how I sounded, I didn’t bother to correct the impression, because I didn’t want a long discussion with the whole gang about how I felt about your date.”

He sobered, and the conversation took a serious turn.  “How do you feel about it?” he asked quietly.

“Honestly?”

“Trix, that’s all I ever want there to be between us – total honesty.”

Trixie hesitated.  Slowly she said, “Jim, you’re there, and I’m here.”

“If you were here, how would you feel?”  He held his breath, waiting for her answer.

This was it – the moment of truth.  They could spend the rest of their lives dancing around each other and pretending to be just friends, or they could have a moment of soul-baring honesty.  Could she do this? 

“I’ll give you two hints – Dot Murray and Laura Ramsey.”

Jim was startled by her answer.  He laughed.  Trust Trixie to find the way to say it all without saying anything.  “Is that your way of saying you’d be insanely jealous?”

It was Trixie’s turn to hold her breath.  The silence that hung between them intensified every feeling.  Finally she answered simply, “Yes.”

One word.  Three letters.  Volumes spoken.

“Trixie, I wish you were here,” Jim said hoarsely.

Tears slowly made their way down her face.  “Jim, in my perfect world we are always together.  But real life isn’t perfect, and you’re there, and I’m here.”

“Trix…”

“Don’t.  Don’t say it.  Don’t make promises.  You’re there, and I’m here,” she said again.  “And that’s the way it will be for at least three years.  Three very long years.”

The silence stretched on.  Hearts were breaking.  Tears were flowing.

Sniffling, Trixie continued, “I told you to enjoy college and have fun.  Dating is a part of that life.  You are my best friend, and I want you always to have the best of everything.  Have fun.”

“Trix, you are the best of everything.”

As if she hadn’t heard him, she kept going, “Dating is a part of life in high school, too.”

He felt his heart stop.  He wasn’t sure he wanted the answer to his next question.  “Are you?” he croaked.

She wanted to tell him she would never be interested in anyone but him.  She wanted to beg him to come home to her.  She wanted… but she couldn’t have everything she wanted.  Wiping her eyes with the palm of her hand, then rubbing her hand on her jeans, she decided it was time to lighten the tone of the conversation.  “That depends on whether you listen to me or the Sleepyside Rumor Mill,” she said lightly.

He realized what she was trying to do, and he let her.   “That mill is full of lies, misrepresentations, half-truths and exaggerations,” he snorted.  “We promised each other total honesty.  I will always believe you.”

She smiled softly, and it shone in her voice.  “That is one of many reasons you are my best friend, Jim Frayne.”

He responded in the same tone, “And you are mine, Trixie Belden.  Always and forever.”

“No matter what?”

“Nothing will ever change that, Trix.  We won’t let it.”

His words reminded her of her conversation with Brian the night before they left for college.

“Don’t allow it,” he said simply.

Nothing would ever come between Trixie Belden and Jim Frayne.  They simply would not allow it.

He restored the light conversation.  “So, what tortures have the Sleepyside Rumor Mill created for you, young lady?”

She groaned.  “According to the latest reports, I am dating both Tad Webster and Chris Zack, stringing them along and pitting them against each other, because I am a vicious wench.”

“A vicious wench?” he chortled.  “Yeah, right.  Okay, so they’ve turned study dates and basketball dates into hot and heavy dates.  Is that all?”

She bit her lip before replying.  “Well…I’ve sort of helped matters along the last couple of days.”

He raised an eyebrow, trying to ignore the jolt of jealousy.  “How so?”

“I’ve been sitting with Tad on the bus and with Chris in the cafeteria.”  She paused, then hurried to explain, “It’s not that I was trying to work the Rumor Mill or create romantic entanglements.  It’s just that I’m not speaking to the Bob-Whites.”

He let out a low whistle.  “So, we finally get to the heart of the matter.”

“Yeah.”

“So what happened with the Bob-Whites?”

She snorted.  “Oh, you’re just gonna love this story,” she drawled sarcastically.

“I’m waiting.”

She looked at her watch.  It was already nine o’clock.  “Listen, Jim, do you have a speaker feature on your phone?”

He knitted his brow in confusion over the apparent change of topic.  “Yeah, I do, but why?”

“Cause it’s kind of a long story, and you and Brian both need to hear it, and I really don’t want to have to tell it twice.”

Jim didn’t like the sound of this one bit.  He looked at the clock.  Brian should arrive any minute.  “Okay, Trix.  It sounds serious, though.”

She exhaled shakily.  “Pretty much.”

Jim turned as Brian entered the room.  He frowned and indicated Brian should sit.  “Hold on, Trix.  Brian just got here.”

Jim turned on the speakerphone and replaced the handset.  Then he called out, “Okay, you’re on speaker.  Now start talking.”

“Hi, Bri.”

“Hi, Sis.  What’s up?”

“How was your week?”

“Trix, quit stalling,” Jim snapped.

Brian frowned at the redhead across from him.  “Trixie, is there a problem?” he asked quietly.

A loud sigh emanated from the speaker.  “Understatement, to say the least.  First things first, though.  You two have to make me a promise.”

“Like what?” Brian asked his sister.

“When I’m done telling my story, you will not jump in the car and drive yourselves here.  Promise me!”

Anxious green eyes met very worried brown eyes.  Then the green eyes twinkled as Jim wrote a quick note on a nearby pad of paper:  WE’LL JUST HAVE MY MOTHER DRIVE US.

Brian smiled and nodded.  “Okay, Trix.  We promise not to drive ourselves down there.”  He fought to keep the smirk out of his voice.  “Now, what’s going on?”

Trixie closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall.  She couldn’t postpone this conversation any longer.

“Well, the good news is that my parents are mad at everyone except me.  Even Sergeant Molinson is on Dad’s list.”

“How did that happen?” Brian asked.

“Well, you know how everyone is always telling me to inform the police when I find something?  Apparently that’s a one-way street.  Molinson doesn’t feel the need to inform me when I’m the mystery.”

Jim chuckled.  “Did you ever think turnabout is fair play?”

“Laugh all you want, College Man.  You won’t think it’s funny once I tell you what they were hiding.”

So Trixie told the boys the details of all the goings-on since the incident at Wimpy’s the previous Friday.

By the time she finished, Jim was pacing the small dorm room, grabbing at his hair.  Brian, ever steady, was sitting still, but his voice betrayed his agitation.  “Trix, who’s home right now?”

Here it comes, she thought, rolling her eyes.  “Brian, I am not alone.  Moms and Daddy are downstairs.  Bobby is sleeping over with the Lynches.  Honey is on her way to Boston.  My goony brother and his loony friend took Lady Di to the movies.  Moms decided I was right to want them out of the house when I talked to you, so she made them go.  Mart was furious, because he decided he should be the one guarding me all night.  Daddy said he was perfectly capable of watching over his only daughter.

“Mart then launched into a tirade of every time I had snuck out or gone off alone that Daddy didn’t know about and I had to be rescued by a Bob-White male.  Daddy acted like Mart was trying to insult his manhood, and started yelling at him.  Moms finally threw Mart out and told him to sleep at Dan’s tonight.”

Brian furrowed his brow.  “Trix, Mart’s just worried.”

“Yeah, right,” she snorted.  “If he was so darned worried about me he should have let me know to watch out.  Instead, I’ve got some psycho following me, and I don’t even know it.”  Her voice started to lose its anger, which was quickly replaced by fear.  “I just don’t understand why,” she said quietly.

The tone is her voice tore at Jim’s heart.  Trixie Belden was fearless - she wasn’t even afraid when she ought to be.  Right now, however, she sounded scared and alone.  He wanted to gather her in his arms and hold her, and promise her no one would ever hurt her.

Jim laughed ruefully.  Brian looked at him like he was nuts.  Trixie’s confusion was evident in her softly spoken, “Jim?”

“It just goes to show how well you know us, Trix.  My car keys are in my hand.  I want to come home now.  I know Brian feels the same.”

Brian chuckled as well.  “I don’t have another class until Monday at noon.”

Trixie sighed.  “I want your help and your advice.  I really do.  Right now, I probably would feel better if you were here.  BUT,” she emphasized her point, “if you come running every time I get in trouble, you might as well move home.  You’ll never get through college, and I’ll never grow up.”

They all knew she was right, but no one really wanted to admit it.

“Guys, I’m going to be careful,” she continue.  “And believe it or not, I’m going to let Molinson do his job.  And I’m going to stick close to my parents for a change.  The stalker is not the problem I need your help with right now.  I need your advice on what to do about the Bob-Whites.”

Brian spoke first.  “Unless you are leaving out a lot of details, I think you’re being way too hard on Honey and Di.”

Jim agreed.  “I don’t think they were trying to keep things from you.  They probably didn’t give that guy at Wimpy’s much more thought.  And it doesn’t sound like they knew anything about the rest of it.”

Trixie thought about the meeting in Principal Stratton’s office.  “You know, I think Honey was furious with Molinson for making her go first.  It was almost like he was trying to make her out to be a traitor.”

“See, there you go,” Brian said.  “Make up with Honey and Di.  Let Mart and Dan stew a few more days.  Then graciously relent.”

Trixie grinned.  “Okay, that sounds like a plan I can live with.  Oh, no, wait!  Honey went to see you guys!”

Jim said, “Well, make up with Di tomorrow morning.  We’ll talk to Honey tomorrow, and after dinner we’ll have her call you.  Sound good?”

“Did I mention that you guys are the best?  Cause you are, you know.  The very best.”

Jim looked at his watch.  It was almost ten-thirty.  “I’m going to take off and meet Pete and Shelly, and give you a chance to talk to Brian.  But Trix, if you need anything, or change your mind about us coming home, you just call.  I’ll drop everything in a heartbeat.  Just say the word.”

Fighting back tears, Trixie choked, “I know you will.  Thanks, Jim.”

Jim left and Brian picked up the handset – the conversation seemed more personal that way.

“So, tell me Sis – who called whom?”

“Jim called me.  Why?”

“Is there something I should know about?”

“Brian, I am so talked out.  And last week I did all the talking, too.  I don’t even know what’s going on with you.  How about if you tell me about your week, okay?”

Translation:  I’m so confused I can’t talk right now, Brian thought.  Luckily I am a very patient man, Little Sister.  And I will interrogate my roommate later.

Keeping his thoughts to himself, Brian gave in to Trixie’s request.  “You mean, you want to know if I’m just as boring here as I was in Sleepyside?” he began.  She laughed, and he started to tell her everything she wanted to know but was afraid to ask.

When Peter and Helen went to bed, Trixie waved goodnight and kept on talking.  In their room, Peter looked at Helen.  “We should put an extension in her room.  Or get a private line for her.”

Helen looked at him in astonishment.  “Don’t you think that’s a bit extravagant?  Not to mention that Mart would want one as well.”

“Mart doesn’t spend that much time on the phone.  But I suppose you’re right.  Tomorrow, though, I’m going to replace that phone with a portable.  She can at least take it to her room on Fridays.”

Helen chuckled.  “Nothing’s too good for your princess, is it?”

Peter grinned.  “Of course not!”

He was not quite so pleasant at three a.m. when he poked his head out into the hall.

“Enough, Trix!  Go to bed,” Peter ordered loudly and grumpily.

Trixie looked up at him in surprise, then looked at her watch.  She blushed and said, “Sorry, Dad.”

Then she turned back to the phone.  “Brian, I’m in hot water.  I gotta go.”

Brian looked at his alarm clock.  His eyebrows shot to the top of his head.  “Oh, my God!  Dad will have my hide.  Listen, I’ll call you in a couple of days for an update, okay?”

“Sure, Bri.  Goodnight.”

“Good morning, Trix,” he replied with a laugh as they hung up.

 

Chapter Eight

Saturday morning Trixie was feeling the effects of her late night.  She hauled herself out of bed at eight-thirty, very late for a Belden.  Moms was in the kitchen, just finishing the batter for fresh blueberry muffins.  She shook her head when she saw her bedraggled daughter.

“I’ll have to ask Maddie if Brian looks this bad.  She was going to pick them up at nine for breakfast.”

Trixie grimaced, then her eyes twinkled.  “Jim must look worse.  He wasn’t home yet when Brian hung up.”  She took the batter from her mother and filled the muffin tins.

Helen raised an eyebrow.  “What time did he go out?”

“Oh, he left around ten-thirty,” Trixie said casually.  She moved to the oven to put the muffins in to bake.  She opened the door, then quickly slammed it shut.  Her face drained of color, and her eyes were panicked as she turned to her mother.  “Moms, did you know there is a copperhead in there?”

Helen’s matching blue eyes widened, and she ran a hand through her sandy curls.  Then she gave up all pretense of remaining calm and screamed, “PETER!!”

Peter came running.  His wife never panicked; such a scream could not be good.  “What’s wrong?” he panted.

“C-c-copperhead.  I-in the o-oven,” Trixie stammered.

Peter looked inside the oven carefully.  Then he went to the phone.  When a voice answered on the other end, he was neither calm nor polite.  Without preamble he said, “Tell Sergeant Molinson to get out to Crabapple Farm NOW!”

*     *     *

Mart and Dan returned from Mr. Maypenny’s cabin a while later.  When they reached the edge of the farm and saw the police car in the driveway, they broke into a run.  They tore into the kitchen at full speed, breathing hard.

“What’s going on?” Mart demanded.

Helen Belden answered him shakily, “There was a copperhead in the oven.”

“And don’t try to convince me it crawled in there itself,” Peter ranted.

Molinson sighed.  “Not in the Belden household.”

Dan looked around for Trixie.  She was standing in a corner, staring vacantly.  He worried she was in shock.  He walked over to her and lifted her chin.  When she finally met his eyes, hers were filled with tears.  Fear and confusion raged in her face.

“Why?” she whispered.

“I wish I knew, darlin’, I wish I knew.”  He wrapped his arms around her.  She buried her face in his chest, and hugged him tightly.  He could feel her trembling.  He stroked her hair and whispered softly to her while she cried quietly.

Mart watched Dan comforting Trixie.  He felt a wave of anger overpowering him.  How dare this psycho keep torturing his sister like this!?

He turned to his parents.  “Where’s Bobby?”

His father struggled to speak calmly.  “He’s still at the Lynches’ house.”

Helen said, “I’d rather he stay there until this is taken care of.”

Mart nodded.  He turned to the sergeant.  “Will you be much longer?”

“No, I’m just about done.”  He looked over at Trixie, still crying on Dan’s shoulder.  His gaze softened briefly, then his face hardened in anger and determination.  He looked back at Mart.  “Don’t let her out of your sight.”

Trixie stepped back from Dan and reached for a tissue, but held onto his hand.  “I want to go get Bobby.  I need to talk to Di.”

Dan looked at Mart, who nodded.  Dan said, “We’ll drive you.  I left the wagon up by the stables.  Let me go get it and come back for you.  I’ll just be a few minutes.”  He held Trixie’s eyes for a minute.  “Everything will be okay, I promise.”

Trixie nodded.  She said softly, “Thanks, Dan.”

She moved to stand next to Mart while Dan went to get the car.  He put his arm around her shoulder.  Molinson and Mr. and Mrs. Belden moved into the living room.

“Trixie, I’m sorry,” Mart said, planting a kiss on her forehead.

She leaned her head on his shoulder.  “Me too.  I know you were just trying to take care of me.”

“Yeah, but I promised myself I wouldn’t turn into Brian and Jim.  Instead, I became worse.”

Trixie sighed.  “How about if we just stick together?”

Mart smiled.  “I like that plan.”

*     *     *

At the Lynch estate, Mart and Dan went into the rec room to play video games with Larry, Terry and Bobby.  They wanted to give the girls a chance to talk alone.  Di took Trixie up to her room, where Trixie told her about the snake.  Trixie also apologized for being so harsh with Di, and they had a good long talk.

They were hugging and crying when Trixie suddenly got mad.  She swiped angrily at her tears and said, “I am so sick of crying.  I feel like that’s all I’ve done since last night.  I hate crying!”

“I know you do, sweetie.  But why were you crying last night?”

Trixie looked blank for a moment.  What had made her cry last night?  Oh, yeah, the intense conversation with Jim about their friendship and dating others.  There was no way in hell she was telling Di about that.  Um, now what do I say?

“Well, I was filling Jim and Brian in on the situation…”

Di’s eyebrows shot up.  “Wow!  You actually went to the Overprotective Ones with this?  And they’re not here yet?”

Trixie laughed ruefully.  “They came really close to hopping in the car and coming home last night, let me tell you.  Talking them down was difficult.  And that was last night.  They don’t even know about the copperhead.”

Di sighed.  “I don’t want to be the one to tell them about that, to be sure.  I bet they end up coming home yet.”

Trixie got up and went to the window.  She stood, looking out at the trees which were everywhere in their little corner of the world.  Finally she said, “Last night I was so sure that I didn’t want them to come.  I wanted to be able to get through my first crisis without them, just to prove to all of us that I could survive them going away without getting myself or anyone else killed.”

Getting up to stand by the window, Di looked carefully at her friend’s face.  The normally spunky little blond looked tired, drawn, and frightened.  Softly, she questioned, “And now?”

Once again, tears ran slowly down from the big blue eyes.  “I always feel safe with them.  And right now I am very scared.”  Then she got angry again and stamped her foot.  “And I hate being scared!”

Thoughtfully, Di said, “Everyone gets scared.  The thing I’ve always admired about you, though, is that you don’t let fear paralyze you.  You think through the situation, no matter how frightening, and find a plan or a clue.  You keep moving, keep trying, and keep hoping.”

Trixie snorted derisively, “Yeah, keep hoping some big, strong, overprotective male will come rescue me from whatever I’ve foolishly and recklessly gone and done now.”  In a voice laden with self-loathing she continued, “And I’ll take the stupid lecture and be glad of it, because otherwise I’d be dead.”

Mart had poked his head into the room just in time to hear his sister’s last comment.  He scowled fiercely.  Diana caught his eye, and looked at him helplessly.  He shook his head as if to say, Leave it go for now. 

Clearly his throat loudly, Mart said, “Trix, Moms just called.  Tad came by to get you.  She filled him in, and he’s on his way over here.”

Trixie didn’t turn from the window, but she looked at her watch and sighed.  Leaning her forehead against the cool pane, she said, “I really don’t feel like studying.”

Mart shrugged.  “Why don’t we all go do something fun, then?”

Trixie merely nodded.

Shutting the door behind him, Mart headed back down to the rec room.  Dan took one look at his expression and pulled him aside into the adjoining family room.  Mrs. Lynch joined them.

“What did she say about Tad?” Dan asked.

“Just that she didn’t feel like studying,” Mart replied grimly.

“That’s all?” Dan was shocked.

“She just stared out the window.  She wouldn’t turn to look at me, and I got the distinct impression she’s still crying.”

“Still?”

Sherry Lynch shook her head.  “Look, she needs some cheering up.  Di is trying to help her by letting her pour her heart out, but I’m sure that’s only causing her to focus on the negative.  Take her to Wimpy’s for lunch.”

Mart nodded, “I did suggest we do something fun, and I don’t think she’s eaten yet today.”

“Wimpy’s is very public, so it’s less likely that something will happen there,” Sherry encouraged him.  “It will be filled with kids in the middle of the day on a Saturday, so Trixie will plaster a smile on her face to make a good show.  Keep her there until she relaxes, and the smile starts to be real.”

Dan agreed, “That’s not a bad plan.”  Then he grinned conspiratorially.  “Besides, if something does happen, Molinson will have a shorter trip.”

That got a chuckle out of Mart.  “Alright, let’s drag my sad-sack sibling out for an enjoyable repast at our favorite establishment.”

Sherry raised an eyebrow.  “My goodness, Mart, you almost sound like your old self.”  He blushed.  She smiled and said, “Let me go get the girls.  I’ll be right back.”

 

Chapter Nine

Ted and Sherry Lynch ended up bringing the four twins and Bobby to Wimpy’s as well.  As they entered the hamburger joint, Ted called out, “I’m buying!”

“Good,” Bobby answered.  “You’re the only one that can afford to feed Mart.”

“Listen, small fry,” Mart countered, “be glad you’re here.  I saw your room this morning.  When you get home, Moms will never let you leave it again.”

“Poor Bobby,” Kelly Lynch said.  “I thought only helpless princesses got themselves trapped in prison towers.”

“Nah, Bobby doesn’t live in a fairy tale,” Larry jibed.  “It’s more like a video game.  You can leave the level once you find the passcode.  The problem is, in that room, it could take him ten years to find it!”

As everyone continued to laugh and joke around, Trixie quietly stared off into space.  Tad had joined them and was seated next to her.  He nudged her with his elbow.  “I know what you need.  Come with me to the jukebox.”

Trixie shrugged half-heartedly, but she got up and went with him.  They discussed the selections, argued about a few, and kept pouring coins in.  Trixie seemed to relax after a while, and she and Tad were singing along to some of their mutual favorites.

Mart watched the exchange carefully.  He was relieved that his sister seemed more at ease.  He also found their similar taste in music amusing.  His own tastes were a little harder and louder, but Tad seemed to be right on her wavelength.

They came back to the table to eat, and Trixie seemed much more like herself.

“So, Trixie,” Diana said, “you never did tell me what Brian and Jim said about the current situation.”

Mart choked on the large bite of food in his mouth.  Trixie smirked while he tried to cough it up. 

“Geez, Di,” Trixie said, “I know you want to ditch your boyfriend, but do you have to administer death-by-choking while he’s eating with the rest of us?  Yuck!”

Di grinned wickedly.  “Well, it’s more public.  Plenty of witnesses to the accidental nature of his demise.”

Dan groaned.  “She’s starting to sound like him!”

They all laughed.

By this time Mart had recovered and was sipping his drink.  “And what time is our elder sibling scheduled to arrive?”

“He’s not,” Trixie replied defiantly.

Mart looked at her in disbelief.

“He hasn’t heard about the copperhead,” Di supplied helpfully.

Trixie rolled her eyes.  “Okay, that may change his mind.”

Tad changed the subject slightly.  “I have a question.  Was the copperhead alive?”

Trixie looked at him for a moment, then started to giggle.  The others looked at her like she was crazy.  That only made her laugh harder.  In between laughs, she explained, “Well…it was alive…when it was…put in the oven…But Moms had preheated it…for the muffins, you know…and after we found it…we didn’t think to…turn the oven off…so Sergeant Molinson…found…well-baked copperhead.” 

The others laughed with her.

“Okay, Trix, next question,” Tad finally said.  At Trixie’s nod, he asked, “Why are you so upset?  I mean, I expected you to be upset on Thursday, but you were just mad.  In fact, I hear you told Chris that you were numb to fear because of the number of times you’d been held at gunpoint.  So what’s different today?”

Trixie looked at him sharply.  When did Tad and Chris compare notes?  That thought disturbed her more than the stalker.

She thought about his question.  Looking off into space, she answered slowly.  “Leaving things outside or at school, well, they’re public places.  And the items were intended to scare, but they couldn’t hurt anyone.”  Her blue eyes clouded.  “But this was inside my home, a complete invasion of privacy.  And that snake could have hurt someone.  I don’t always look before I stick my hand in the oven, because it’s so second-nature.  And what if it had been Moms?”  She shuddered at the thought.

“Besides,” she continued with a shrug, “I usually get into these messes because I’m trying to help someone else.  I’m not used to being the victim.”

The front door opened and Trixie glanced in that direction.  Seeing the incoming customers, she drew in a sharp breath and her face paled.  Dan heard her, and followed her gaze.  His instant flare of anger made his face and neck redden.  The others slowly caught the tension at the table, and discovered its source.

The two boys from the previous week had entered, wearing the same Croton jackets.

Buck looked around casually, until he spotted Trixie.  Then he moved boldly closer to the table, staring hostilely.

Although Tad had not seen the two boys before, the reaction of the others left no doubt in his mind who they were.  He did not appreciate the look Buck was giving Trixie, either.

“Do you have a problem, buddy?” he asked, standing to face the large, bulky boy.

“Just with that little hot tamale,” Buck sneered.

The girls looked nervously at each other, wide blue eyes meeting frightened violet ones.  Dan and Mart stood to join Tad.

Tad took a step towards Buck.  “And what’s your problem with her?”  His tone was conversational, but his body language was clearly protective of the little blond.

“I just don’t like the way she butts into everyone else’s business.  She should be taught to mind her own,” Buck sneered threateningly.

“What’s she ever done to you?” Tad asked, taking another step forward.  Dan and Mart moved to flank him.

“She sent my cousin to jail.  She shouldn’t have done that.”

“She’s never sent anyone to jail that didn’t deserve to go there,” Tad stated firmly.

Trixie looked toward the front entrance.  Sergeant Molinson, in street clothes, was just entering with Spider Webster.  She relaxed.  She knew the two officers wouldn’t let this go too far.

“Just what are you saying about my cousin?” Buck challenged.

Tad held his ground.  “Just that he must have done something illegal, so he really sent himself to jail.”

“You son of a...” Buck launched his fist at Tad’s face.

Dan blocked the blow and knocked Buck off balance.  He stumbled and landed on one knee, which only served to enrage him.  He roared and jumped at Dan.  Mart tripped him.  When Buck landed flat on his face, his friend threw up his fists.

“You guys want a problem?” the boy challenged.

“You two are the ones with the problem,” Molinson bellowed.  Although not in uniform, both he and Spider had their guns on them and had them drawn.  Spider held handcuffs in his other hand.

Looking at Buck, Molinson said, “I believe I just witnessed an unprovoked assault.  I think you and I should head down to the station.”

Buck finally recognized Molinson from the previous week.  Cursing under his breath, he slowly rose with his hands up.  Spider quickly cuffed him.

Grinning at Molinson, Spider remarked, “And to think we just wanted a quiet visit over lunch.”

Molinson snorted, then winked at Trixie.  “Fat chance.  Troublesome Trixie was already here.” 

Shoving Buck ahead of them towards the door, the two men stopped by the young people.  “I will talk to you later,” Molinson promised Trixie.

Spider told Tad, “You handled that well.  I’m proud of you.  All of you,” he added, nodding to Dan and Mart.

After the men left, the kids returned to their lunches.  Tad spoke quietly, “Hopefully that’s one problem put to rest.”

Di shook her head.  “That hulk couldn’t be the stealthy creature Mart chased through the woods last Saturday.  Could he, Mart?”

Mart shook his head.  He stared at his food.  He had hoped no one would think of that.

The silence dragged on, until Trixie finally broke it.  “You do realize that we still don’t know who his cousin is, right?”

Heads nodded all around.

 *     *     *

After the skirmish in Wimpy’s Ted and Sherry Lynch had packed up the younger kids.  They planned to take Bobby home, and were going to fill Helen and Peter in on the latest trouble.  A short while later the teenagers headed out of the restaurant.

The discussion about whether to go do something else was ended by Trixie’s assertion, “Guys, I’m really tired.  I just want to go home and take a nap.”

She opened the rear door of the station wagon, then screamed and jumped back.

Di rushed to her side, while the boys rushed to see what was in the station wagon.

Trixie stood, eyes wide, both hands clamped firmly over her mouth.  She wasn’t sure what she was trying to stifle – a scream or the urge to throw up.  Di threw her arms around her as Trixie began to tremble.  Her legs turned to rubber and she sank to the ground, leaning against Tad’s car, which had been parked next to the Bob-White Bus.  She rocked back and forth while tears welled up in her eyes.

Lying on the backseat of the station wagon was a rabbit with a large butcher knife through its heart.  It had been alive when put there; blood was still gushing from the wound, and the animal’s body was still twitching.  Attached to the handle of the knife was a note:  SCARED YET?

Tad whipped a cell phone out of his pocket and pushed the speed dial for his brother.  As soon as Spider answered, Tad asked, “Are you still with Molinson?”

At the affirmative answer, Tad responded, “Then both of you get to Wimpy’s parking lot NOW!”

Mart sat down next to Trixie.  He pulled her into his lap and held her close.  She buried her face in his neck and cried.  He rested his cheek on her soft curls.

Dan was looking around for any sign of who did this.  He found a bloody smear on a nearby building, as if someone was trying to wipe off their hand.

When Molinson and Webster showed up, Mart glared at them.  Still gently rocking his sister like a baby, he hissed, “You’d better put a stop to this soon.  I don’t know how much more she can take – how much more any of us can take!”

 

NOTE: All repetition is completely intentional.

Chapter Ten

Several hours later, a tired group filed into the warm kitchen at Crabapple Farm.  One look at their faces was all Helen Belden needed, and she was filling the table with fresh milk, homemade cookies, hot coffee, and any other snacks and beverages she could find.  She always believed good food could sooth your soul; she also knew feeding other calmed hers.

They had come in two cars, Di, Honey and Dan riding with Tad, while Trixie and Mart rode with Spider in Molinson’s patrol car.  The Bob-White station wagon had to be left at the police station as evidence, and it needed to be thoroughly cleaned before anyone wanted to ride in it, anyway.

The teenagers sat around the table, quietly munching, while Wendell Molinson and Spider Webster brought Peter and Helen up to date.  Trixie stared vacantly into space, not eating or drinking anything.  She finally asked if she could go lay down, and her parents agreed.

 *     *     *

As Trixie headed up the stairs, the phone rang.  She ignored it and kept going.  She went first to the bathroom.  When she was finished there, she walked slowly to her room.  As she approached the closed door, she wondered vaguely who’d closed it.  She was sure she’d left it open that morning.

As she turned the handle, Mart reached the top step and called her name.  As she pushed open the door, she turned her head and leaned back to answer him.  That slight movement saved her life.

The sound of wind whipping by her ear was loud.  The sound of the arrow hitting the wood of her doorframe was louder.  Louder still was her scream.

 *     *     *

As Trixie headed up the stairs, the phone rang.  She ignored it and kept going.  Peter answered it.

“Crabapple Farm.”

“Hello, Mr. Belden.  It’s Honey,” the cheerful voice said.  “Jim and Brian were apparently up too late last night.  They needed a nap before dinner, so I was hoping to have a chance to talk to Trixie while I waited for them to return to the land of the living.  Brian told me I should call her.”

Peter hesitated.  Then he said to Mart, “Go upstairs and tell your sister Honey is on the phone.  Ask her if she wants to talk to her.”

Mart nodded and headed up the stairs.

Peter turned back to the phone.  “Honey, she just went upstairs to lie down, but she’s not asleep yet.  Mart went up to see if she’s up to talking.  If she says no, don’t take it personally.  It’s been a very long and difficult day.”

Honey’s brow furrowed.  “Has something else happened, Mr. Belden?”

“There have been three separate incidents today.”

“Three?” Honey screeched, waking Jim and Brian.

Trixie screamed.  They could hear it all the way in Boston.

Wendell and Spider shot up the stairs.  Peter dropped the phone and ran after them.

Dan picked up the phone.  “Honey?”

“Dan, what was that?” Honey cried.

Brian and Jim had jumped up from the couches where they were napping.  They stood close enough to Honey that they could hear Dan.

“I have no idea,” Dan replied.  “I just have three words to say:  Bob-Whites.  Home.  NOW!”

That was all they needed to hear.  They hung up the phone and rushed to Sleepyside.

 *     *     *

As Trixie headed up the stairs, the phone rang.  She ignored it and kept going.  Peter answered it.

“Crabapple Farm.”

“Hello, Mr. Belden.  It’s Honey,” the cheerful voice said.  “Jim and Brian were apparently up too late last night.  They needed a nap before dinner, so I was hoping to have a chance to talk to Trixie while I waited for them to return to the land of the living.  Brian told me to call.”

Peter hesitated.  Then he said to Mart, “Go upstairs and tell your sister Honey is on the phone.  Ask her if she wants to talk to her.”

Mart nodded and headed up the stairs.

As he reached the top of the stairs, Mart watched Trixie walking back to her room from the bathroom.  She looked so tired, so scared, and so beaten.  This was so unlike Trixie.  By this point she should be mad, and determined to stop this creep.  But then again, she wasn’t used to being the target.

Trixie liked to solve a good mystery.  But more than that, she liked to help people.  She thrived on it.  Helping other people solve their problems was her greatest joy.  And she never thought of herself.  Maybe that was the problem – the person who needed help was Trixie, and she never thought of herself.  She didn’t know how to reach out in this case, because there wasn’t someone around her that needed her to help them.

He would have to convince her that she needed to help someone else by getting this case solved.  Molinson, maybe.  It was worth a shot.

As she turned the handle on her bedroom door, Mart called her name.  As she pushed open the door, she turned her head and leaned back to answer him.  That slight movement saved her life.

The sound of wind whipping by her ear was loud.  The sound of the arrow hitting the wood of her doorframe was louder.  Louder still was her scream.

Mart ran forward and yanked her back.  He held her tight while he stared at the large arrow sticking out of the wood.  Hanging from it was a sign:  DIE, SNOOPER

Wendell, Spider and Peter came tearing up the stairs to see what happened.  Mart motioned toward the arrow.  He stepped back out of their way, and pulled Trixie across the hall to his room.

 *     *     *

Mart moved to his bed and sat down, never releasing his hold on Trixie.  She was shaking like a leaf and her breath was coming in short, quick gasps.  He spoke quietly, soothingly, rubbing her back.  Her breathing slowed to a normal rate, but was quickly followed by heart-wrenching sobs.

He sat against the headboard, one knee hanging off the bed and the other leg extended straight.  She sat sideways, feet on the floor, leaning against his chest.  He cradled her to him, while she buried her face in his shirt and cried.

He could hear the others moving about beyond the room.  No doubt they were searching her room, looking for clues.  He didn’t care.  He didn’t need to know right now what had happened.  All he knew was that his baby sister was crying, and she needed him.

He held her, trying to soothe away her sobs, for what felt like hours.  Finally, she cried herself to sleep.

Once he was sure she was asleep, he relaxed a little.  She needed sleep; it would do her good.  He didn’t want her to be alone, though.  He was afraid that if he left her alone, some other crazy thing would happen.  After all, this lunatic could clearly get into the house.  He also didn’t want her to wake up alone and frightened.  Besides, he wouldn’t be surprised if she had nightmares.  He knew he would.

With a deep sigh, he leaned his head back and closed his eyes.  Soon he was sleeping as well, arms wrapped tightly around his sister.

 *     *     *

The house had been in total chaos for hours.  Wendell Molinson and Spider Webster had investigated Trixie’s room.  A crossbow had been rigged to shoot if the door was opened.  They were both off-duty, and Spider actually worked for the White Plains Police Department, not Sleepyside, so they had called in backup.  The two men, plus the three officers who answered their call, had scoured the house and grounds.  They looked everywhere, seeking anything at all that would give them a clue, but they came up empty-handed.  The five police officers were thoroughly frustrated.

Equally as frustrated were Peter and Helen Belden.  They had been home all day.  The farthest they had gone had been to the chicken coop, and they had never gone out together.  One of them had been in the house at all times all day.  Somehow, this lunatic had gotten past them, and had been sneaking around their house right under their noses.

Diana had taken charge of Bobby.  He had been vaguely aware of what was going on, and they obviously could not hide his sister’s screams from him.  Di had suggested he go back to her house, but he refused.  He was adamant that, as a “Belden man,” he had to stay and defend his sister.

Dan and Tad prowled restlessly.  They helped the police look, they helped the Beldens try to figure out how and when this stalker had entered the house, they helped Di occupy Bobby.  The entire time, their thoughts were on the events of the day.  This had moved way beyond a sick prank.  This last shot had been deadly.

It was time to call a spade a spade: the shot of the crossbow was attempted murder.

Three hours after the shot heard round the northeast, Jim Frayne whipped his mother’s car into the driveway at Crabapple Farm.  The long drive had frazzled his nerves, and the fact that he was pulling in behind three police cars did nothing to make him feel better.

Brian, Honey and Maddie jumped from the car before Jim had finished putting it in park.  The four ran to the front door.  Brian was in the lead, and it was his house, so he simply threw open the door and ran in.

Not a good idea.

The five police officers were in the living room.  They were stressed and on edge.  The front door crashing opened startled them, and they reacted as they were trained to do:  all five pulled their weapons.

Helen Belden ran in from the kitchen to find her oldest son looking scared to death, nose-to-nose with five service revolvers, all cocked and ready to fire.

That was simply the last straw.

“Enough!” she screamed.  “Get those guns out of my house!”  She proceeded to rant and rave about guns, police, intruders, the inability to feel safe in her own home, threats on her daughter’s life, and anything else that came to her mind for a full ten minutes.

During those ten long minutes, the officers holstered their weapons.  They looked apologetically at Brian before Molinson and the three uniformed officers left the building to confer by the cars.  Brian sank weakly into the nearest chair.  Honey, Jim and Maddie came in from the front door and joined Brian in the living room.  Dan, Tad and Di entered the room from the rear of the house and joined them as well.  When Peter finally calmed his wife’s hysteria enough to pull her from the room towards the kitchen he nodded to Spider, giving him the job of filling in the Boston contingent.  Left standing alone in the middle of the room, Spider took a deep breath and turned toward the four anxious faces.

He quickly outlined the events of the day for the new arrivals.  Dan and Tad jumped in now and then to add details.  By the time they related the crossbow incident, Honey was white as a sheet and Jim’s face was as red as his hair.

Brian had gotten past his own scare, and was now frantically worried about his sister.  He leaned forward and asked, “Where is Trixie now?”

Dan and Tad looked at each other, puzzled.  They were just realizing that they hadn’t seen her since she’d screamed.

For the first time, Diana spoke.  “She’s asleep.”

All eyes turned to her.  She looked around the room, eyes twinkling.  “After I got Bobby to sleep a little while ago, I stopped by Mart’s room,” she explained.  “I knew Mart had taken her in there to calm her down and get her out of the way.  They were both asleep, so I didn’t want to disturb them.  However, they were curled up on Mart’s bed and they were just so cute together.  Mart’s camera was sitting there on his desk, and I just couldn’t resist taking their picture.  It’s going to make a great negotiating tool the next time they have one of their huge blowouts.”

Dan grinned wickedly.  “You mean blackmail weapon.”

Di returned the grin and shrugged.  “Same diff.”

Brian stood, saying, “I’m going to go check on her myself,” and headed upstairs.

Maddie went to find Helen and Peter.

Honey and Jim started asking more detailed questions, now that they had the general idea of what had been happening.

*     *     *

Brian entered the room as quietly as possible.  Di was right – they really did look cute together.  Mart was still mostly sitting, leaning back against the headboard.  Trixie was curled up into a little ball, snuggled tightly against her brother’s chest, his strong arms wrapped protectively around her.

Brian pulled the chair from the desk and sat on it backwards, arms resting on the back.  He laid his head on his arms and watched them sleep.  He smiled softly, remembering them napping together when they were toddlers.  Was it really so long ago?

Brian enjoyed this picture of Mart with Trixie.  For all his teasing, this was the true expression of Mart’s feelings for her – loving and protective.  God help the person behind this insanity if Mart got to them first.

It had been such a long day.  Brian had been up very late last night talking to Trixie on the phone, then up early this morning for breakfast with Honey and Mrs. Wheeler.  The tense rush home because some psycho was trying to kill his sister was emotionally exhausting.  He hadn’t realized how tired he was until now.  He couldn’t even get up and walk across the room to his bed.  He simply laid his head on his arms and dozed off sitting up in the chair.

 *     *     *

Peter Belden had taken charge of his household.  Madeleine had gone home to Manor House.  Honey and Diana had been packed off to sleep in the downstairs guest room.  Helen had been sent to bed.  Spider and Wendell were taking turns standing guard outside, insisting on sleeping in the squad car when it was their turn to rest so they could be immediately on hand if the other needed them.  Dan, Jim and Tad were given bedding and told to camp out in the living room.

Peter knew the boys planned on taking turns standing guard.  He also knew this was his house, and his family.  He would stand guard the first shift.  He restlessly prowled around the first floor, first checking on the boys in the living room, then on the girls in the guest room, then on the men outside.  Finally he sat at the kitchen table and mulled over the day.

There was something bothering him about this whole scenario.  He sat there, drumming his fingers on the table, trying to figure out what was bothering him.  Obviously, the whole situation should bother the heck out of him.  But that wasn’t it.  He just couldn’t seem to put his finger on it.

He went over everything he knew, point by point.  He thought about everything he’d seen, and everything he’d heard.  He remembered each expression on each person’s face.  And then he knew.  His fingers stopped their drumming and he sat bolt upright.

Trixie’s tears.

Trixie rarely cried.  She was emotional and sensitive, but she hated to be weak.  Often tears would well up in those big blue eyes, but she would fight them back and get mad instead.  She would run away before she’d let anyone see her cry.

How many times today had she cried?  How many times had she just stood or sat there, crying her eyes out, and let someone comfort her?

There was more to this than just the stalker.  There was something wrong with how she was handling the whole thing.  She hadn’t looked for clues, tried to solve the puzzle herself, or argued with Molinson.

Worst of all, she hadn’t gotten mad.

She’d just cried.

Something was wrong with his little girl.

Now if they could only keep her alive long enough to figure out what that was.

 

 Chapter Eleven

The bright lights on the alarm clock read 4:17 a.m.  Trixie tried to focus on the room around her in the dim light, but her head was pounding so hard that she couldn’t.  She just barely made out the figure sitting on the chair by the bedside.  Brian?  What’s he doing here?

She needed to pee, and she desperately needed something for her headache.  She gently disengaged herself from Mart’s protective embrace and slipped out of the bed.  As she tiptoed across the room, she felt dizzy and reached out for the nearest thing to steady herself.  The nearest thing happened to be Brian’s arm.

He jumped, startled.  He looked up at his sister and saw her holding her palm against her forehead.  He silently got up and helped her to the bathroom.  She sat on the edge of the tub while he reached into the medicine cabinet for some acetaminophen.  He got her a drink of water from the tap and handed her the cup and the pills.

After swallowing the pills, Trixie thanked her brother.  Then she asked for a minute alone, nodding toward the toilet in embarrassment.  Brian took the glass and set it by the sink, gracefully ignoring her red face, and told her he’d be waiting outside.

When Trixie emerged from the bathroom, Brian pulled her gently into a warm hug.  She stood in his embrace for several long minutes, then pulled away, wiping at her eyes.

“Thanks for coming, Bri,” she whispered.  “I needed you.”

“I’ll always be here when you need me,” he whispered back.  “How about some warm milk?”

She nodded, and they went down to the kitchen together.

When the boys had divvied up the night watch, Jim had chosen to sleep first after his long day, so he had just started his shift at four.  He heard Brian and Trixie come downstairs and met them in the kitchen.

When Trixie saw Jim, the tears started again.  She hugged him tightly, and he enveloped her in a protective embrace.  Glancing over her head, he frowned and looked inquiringly at Brian.  The other boy just shrugged and returned the frown.  They were both worried.

Trixie finally stepped back, wiping at her eyes yet again.  “I’m sorry,” she said.  “I don’t know what’s with me.  I just can’t seem to stop crying.”

Jim rubbed her arms gently with his strong hands.  “Hey, I’m here for whatever you need.  If you need a shoulder to cry on, you’ve got it.  If you need me to kick someone’s butt, say the word.  Anything you want, Shamus.  I’m here.”

He was rewarded with a giggle, just as he’d hoped.  “Thanks.  I needed that.”

They sat at the table, and Brian brought her a mug of warm milk.  She took a sip, then rested her still pounding head in her hands.  Brian began massaging her neck, amazed at the tension there.

“Now I know you’ll make a good doctor – you have wonderful hands,” Trixie teased, grateful for the massage.

“I think I learned this from helping Moms calm down after your adventures,” Brian retorted.

“Really?” Jim asked.  “I thought it was the lessons you were taking from Brandy.”

“Brandy, huh?” Trixie queried.  “I haven’t heard about her.  You’re holding out on me, big brother.”

“You can’t tell all your secrets to your little sister.  Much too dangerous,” Brian joked.  He sat down next to her and sobered.  “Trixie, how are you really doing?”

Confusion evident in her eyes, she shrugged.  “I feel like I’ve been blind-sided.  Usually I’m seeing mysteriousness everywhere and everyone else is telling me I’m crazy.  This time, I didn’t even sense anything was wrong.”  She stared down at her hands and played with her watch, since her other wrist was bare.  “I just… I guess I feel like I’m a couple of laps behind everyone else, and I don’t know how to catch up.”

Brian gave her a half-smile.  “Now you know how the rest of us usually feel.”

Jim reached out and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.  “I have no doubt that by morning you’ll have an inspiration, put the pieces together, and be miles ahead of us.”

Trixie smiled gratefully.  “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”  She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

Brian looked at her in concern.  “Go lay down, Trix.  You need to sleep off that headache.”

Trixie snorted indelicately and opened one eye.  “Oh, and you slept so well sitting up in the desk chair, did you?”

Brian flushed slightly.  Jim raised an eyebrow at him and smiled.  “Hey, at least I crashed on the couch for a couple of hours; much better than sitting up in a desk chair.”

Trixie opened the other eye and flashed Jim a wicked grin.  “And what time did you crawl home last night, College Man?”

This time Jim flushed.  Brian snickered, “Just in time to shower before Mrs. Wheeler showed up.”

Trixie’s eyebrows shot up.  “Were you sober?”

“Yes!” Jim shot back, indignantly.  Then he sighed and shrugged, “Well, mostly.”

Brian and Trixie laughed at him.  Trixie asked, “So, how was breakfast with the Madeleines?”

Jim laughed at her description.  It was a phrase he and Trixie had come up with a while back.  It was meant in good humor, but Honey probably would not have taken it that way.

Jim smirked at her.  “It would have been better if Honey wasn’t obsessing about the rift in your friendship.”

Trixie studied him for a minute.  Then she grinned knowingly.  “And while trying to give her advice, you said something which made it clear we had already spoken.  At which point, Dr. Watson began to interrogate you about your telephonic correspondence with her best friend, driving you to distraction, stammering and sputtering.”

Brian laughed and gave Trixie a high-five.  “She shoots, she scores!  The great detective lives!”  Then he stuck out his tongue at her and said, “Even though she sounds like Mart.”

The three laughed together for a minute before Brian yawned loudly.  Trixie shoved him off his chair.  “Come on, big brother.  You need to go to sleep.  In your bed, not sitting up.  Move.”

“You too, Princess.  Your head is still pounding.  I can see it in your eyes.”

Trixie thought briefly of trying to deny it, but decided it wasn’t worth the effort.  She shrugged and headed for the stairs.  “As long as there are no snakes in my bed, I’m good.”  With that she trotted up the stairs.

Leaving Jim to return to his watch duty, Brian frowned and hurried after her, clucking like a mother hen until he was sure she was tucked safely into her bed.

*     *     *

Trixie slept soundly until noon.  When she stumbled into the hallway toward the bathroom she ran into (literally, of course) Brian, who was just stumbling out of the bathroom.  He had clearly awoken only a few minutes before.  She smiled at him sleepily and pushed past him.

Brian watched her go and smiled.  She looked more like herself today, and even seemed to have a twinkle in her eye.  Maybe this would be a better day.  Provided no one tries to kill her.

They dressed quickly and met back on the stairs.  As they entered the kitchen, they were joking and laughing together.  The other Bob-Whites and Beldens were sitting around the table, eating lunch.  They looked up, surprised to hear Trixie’s laughter.

She breezed into the kitchen and stopped behind Mart’s chair.  She hugged him from behind and planted a kiss on his cheek.  “Good afternoon, Hero Mine.  Did you leave me anything to eat?”  Then she walked on to the refrigerator.

Mart nearly choked on the food in his mouth.  He stared after his sister, completely nonplussed.  She was downright happy today.  He was utterly confused.

Trixie headed back to the table, a drink in her hand.  She leaned over and gave Honey a hug.  “Sorry for being a temperamental witch,” she whispered in her ear.

Honey stood up and hugged her friend tightly.  “It’s forgotten,” she whispered back.  Then she stood aside and picked up her plate.  “Here, take my chair.  I’m done.”

Trixie smiled her thanks and sat down.  The conversation around the table was lighthearted and fun.  It seemed for a moment like a normal Belden meal.

When they were done eating the Bob-Whites moved into the family room and started playing Trivial Pursuit.  They laughed and joked their way through a good-natured game for over an hour.

Di grabbed the box of question cards from Brian.  “Hey, it’s my turn to read, Brain.  Oops, sorry, Brian,” she giggled.  “The category for Miss Wheeler is Wild Card.  Question: What’s the most popular term of endearment among Americans?”

Honey smiled sweetly.  “Why, Honey, of course.”

“Foul!  I cry foul!” Jim complained.  “You can’t get a ‘term of endearment’ question when your name is a term of endearment!”

“You’re being a sore loser, Jim,” Dan mocked.

“Oh, it’s okay.  If my big brother can’t handle the ease of my success, I’ll take another question,” Honey graciously conceded.

“The category is still Wild Card,” Di called.  She read the question on the next card and laughed.  Sarcastically she announced, “Alright, this is sure to stump her.  Question:  What piece of horse-riding equipment do experts call the most significant invention before gunpowder in the history of warfare?”

“She knows nothing about the history of warfare,” Jim crowed.

“You weren’t listening carefully, College Man,” Trixie snickered.  “The question is about horse-riding equipment.”

“And the answer is stirrups,” Honey replied triumphantly.

“Give the woman a pie!” Brian laughed as he handed Honey her orange wedge.

“Hey, that reminds me.  I’m hungry!” Mart said.

Trixie snorted.  “So what else is new?”

“Watch it, Beatrix.  I get to read your question.”

“So?  You have to read the question, not rewrite it in dictionary-ese.”  Trixie rolled the die and landed on a pink space.

“Ah, Arts and Entertainment.  Since you know nothing about art, this might be entertaining.”  Mart laughed at his own joke while the others groaned.  “Question:  Whose face does Luke Skywalker finally reveal in Return of the Jedi?”

“Way too easy, Trix,” Dan playfully jabbed her in the ribs.

Trixie wasn’t listening.  She was staring at the board, eyes focused on some distant vision only she could see.  Throughout the game she had been pushing thoughts of the current situation to the back of her mind.  An underlying part of her brain had been processing and reprocessing bits of information, like a computer program running in the background.  Suddenly the program was flashing an alert, calling for her attention.  Something important was just beyond her grasp, and she was trying to focus on it.

Whose face does Luke reveal?

The table had grown quiet.  Worried glances were bandied about.  Finally, Dan nudged her again.  “Hey, Freckles, snap out of it.”

Sudden flashes of memory exploded before Trixie’s eyes.

“You should have lengthened those stirrups… I guess you don’t know very much about riding.”

Dan Mangan glared at her.  “But you know all the answers, don’t you, freckles?”

But what does that have to do with anything? Trixie wondered.  Whose face does Luke…

“…every now an’ then I’d come to and hear the voices, Dan’s and somebody else’s.”

He was tall, and she saw by the firelight that he was dark and sharp-faced and seemed a few years older than Dan.

“You’re just yeller… I oughta give you a beatin’!”

Trixie could see that Dan was afraid of the bigger boy.

“So that’s the snooper… you’re a fool, Dan Mangan… Stay here with your friends, but don’t forget, if anything happens where I’m going, you’re in it deep!”

Trixie drew in a sharp breath.  LUKE!  She glanced hastily around the table before jumping up and running from the room.  She found Sergeant Molinson on the front steps with her father.  She grabbed the big policeman by the arm.

“I need to talk to you.”  She threw a glance over her shoulder, knowing the Bob-Whites had followed her.  “Alone.”

Molinson looked over her shoulder at the others, then searched her face.  He nodded abruptly.  “Let’s go for a walk.”

They walked to the barn and the sergeant leaned casually against the wall.  Trixie paced nervously in front of him, repeatedly glancing back toward the house to reassure herself that no one had followed them.

“Relax,” Molinson told her.  “They can’t hear you.  What’s up?”

Trixie ran a shaky hand through her hair.  “I’ve been thinking.”

“A dangerous pastime.”

“Funny, LeFou,” she made a face at him.  “Anyway, I’ve been called a snoop fairly frequently.”  He snorted.  “But that’s not what the note said.”

She hesitated.  She stood, wringing her hands, as if afraid to speak her suspicions aloud.  Finally, she spoke again.  “The note said ‘snooper.’  Snooper.  I only remember being called that once.”

Molinson’s mirth faded.  She had his full attention now.  He raised an eyebrow.  “So you think that person is the one behind these shenanigans?”

Trixie shrugged.  “It’s a possibility worth checking, I think.”  She started pacing again.

Molinson waited patiently for a long moment.  Finally, he asked expectantly, “Well?”

Trixie stopped and looked him in the eye.  “Luke Harrigan.”

The sergeant narrowed his eyes thoughtfully and stroked his chin.  He slowly released a pent-up breath before nodding slowly.  “I’ll see what I can find out.”

Clenching and unclenching her jaw, Trixie looked away.  “Today would be a good day to prove me crazy.”

He laughed hollowly.  “Neither one of us has that kind of luck, Belden.”  He watched her for a minute.  “Dan is stronger than you think, you know.  He can handle this.”

She snorted.  “Not if this wacko kills me.”

“We aren’t going to let that happen,” Molinson stated firmly.

Trixie faced him again, an eyebrow raised in challenge.  “Prove it.”

“Gladly,” he smiled.  His pale blue eyes twinkled at her as he shoved her toward the house.  “Now get back inside so I can go check this out.”

 *     *     *

Trixie spent the rest of the afternoon alone in her room.  She refused to speak to anyone, even Brian.  She sat in the window seat and brooded, her stomach in knots and her mind churning.  If she was wrong, she was back to square one.  But she knew she was right; she felt it in her bones.  Now she was more worried about Dan than she was about herself.  She needed to figure out what to say or do that would keep Dan from blaming himself for this.

Despite the large crowd in the house, dinner was a fairly subdued affair.  Everyone tried to engage Trixie, but she rebuffed every effort.  She stared down at her plate, toying with her food, and refused to make eye contact with anyone.

A knock sounded at the back door.  Peter went to answer it and returned a moment later with Wendell Molinson.  He looked grim.

Trixie locked eyes with the sergeant.  His face told her all she needed to know.  She put her elbows on the table and held her head in her hands

“You were right, of course, Trixie.  Not only is he Bull’s cousin, but he got out on parole three weeks ago.  His parole officer hasn’t heard from him since.”

Trixie’s response was muffled by her hands, but intelligible nonetheless.  “Why couldn’t I be wrong this time?”

Mart snorted.  “Because, despite your penchant for jumping to conclusions, sister dear, you’re right far more often than you’re wrong.”

Honey was frowning at Trixie, rather put out that her partner hadn’t shared her thoughts on the case with her.  Hazel eyes narrowed suspiciously, Honey asked, “Why would you rather be wrong?”

Molinson had managed to position himself right behind Dan’s chair.  He calmly announced, “The suspect in question is Luke Harrigan.”

Dan inhaled sharply and looked around wildly.  Molinson rested a comforting hand on his shoulder.  Helen, quickly realizing the impact of the situation on the young man who was like a son to her, grabbed both of Dan’s hands in hers.  The dark eyes staring out from the pale face were laden with guilt. 

Helen spoke soothingly, “Daniel, that was a long time ago, and you are not anything like that boy.  You have changed your life for the better, and he has obviously gotten worse.”

Dan just shook his head.  “But, Mrs. B., I brought him here in the first place!”

Trixie slammed both hands down on the table forcefully, rattling dishes and even the windows.  Glaring across the table at her friend she stormed, “Daniel Timothy Mangan, don’t you dare blame yourself for this!  You are my friend!  You care about me!  You protect me!  You rescue me!  YOU DO NOT TRY TO KILL ME!”

Choking back a sob, she jumped up from the table and ran out of the room.  Peter noted with some satisfaction that this was a more normal reaction for Trixie.  She was obviously better today, even if the situation had not improved any.

Knowing that Trixie needed a minute to herself, the others in the room concentrated on reassuring Dan.  They moved to give him a hug, or they spoke to him encouragingly.  Jim was walking around the table to approach Dan when he suddenly realized where Trixie had gone.  He quickly slipped away in the same direction.

When he came up behind her she turned to glare at him.  He didn’t come any closer.  He held up his hands in a defensive gesture and said, “Hey, I’d have left you alone if you’d gone to your room.  But, no – you choose to run out alone out into the orchard when there’s a psycho stalking you.  Don’t even try to tell me to leave you alone out here.”

Trixie’s shoulders slumped.  She was still angry, but her anger was no longer directed at Jim.  She turned her wrath on the fallen branch lying on the ground near her feet.  She picked it up and swung it like a baseball bat at the nearest tree several times.  Then she whipped around and started yelling at Jim again.

“You know, you’re all the same!  This is no different than when I had to yell at you for feeling guilty that Jonesy hurt Juliana.  Just because you knew the S.O.B. before he came here does not make you responsible for his every action after he arrived!  The same goes for Dan and Luke.  He can’t go feeling responsible for anything Luke does to me!”

Trixie stood there, hands on hips.  Her blue eyes blazed with anger, her cheeks were flushed and her chest was heaving with each breath.  She was simply magnificent.

Reining in his thoughts, Jim crossed his arms over his chest and leaned nonchalantly against a tree.  Regarding her thoughtfully, he commented, “Pot.  Kettle.  Black.”

Trixie did a double-take.  Letting her breath out in a whoosh, she chuckled ruefully.  “So, I’m a hypocrite because I feel guilty that Luke’s revenge plot is hurting Dan?”

Jim smiled softly.  “I wouldn’t say hypocrite.  I would just say that you ought to be able to understand how we feel.”

Leaning back against the tree across from Jim, Trixie played with the branch in her hands.  She stared at it, unseeingly, for a long moment before looking up at Jim with troubled eyes.  “Can I ask you something?” she queried hesitantly.

Green eyes stared into blue.  He wanted to take her into his arms and hold her forever, protecting her from anyone who might ever try to hurt her.  He chose a safer response.  “You can always ask me anything, Trix.”

“Will it always come back at me like this?”  Seeing his confusion, she hurried on.  “I mean, I’ve put a lot of people away already.  If I stick to my plans, there will be plenty more to come.  Will they all come after me, or my family and friends, for revenge?”

She waited for him to answer, holding her breath.  He stared at her for a long time before replying.

Jim considered his answer carefully.  A part of him wanted to use this opportunity to frighten her out of her career plans.  Seeing the fear already in her eyes, however, broke his heart.  How could he deliberately try to scare her?  Besides, if she gave up now it would crush her spirit.  She would cease to be Trixie.

Slowly, thoughtfully, he answered, “I can’t say that this will ever really end.  I mean, there will probably be a percentage of people who would like revenge against you.  But it will be a small percentage.  It’s not like there will always be someone running loose.”  He watched her closely as he spoke.  “You don’t spend all your time annoying criminals.  For every one you make mad, you help dozens of other people.”

She let his words sink in.  A variety of emotions played over her face: anger, fear, resignation, despair, and finally, determination.  She squared her shoulders and stood up straighter.  He watched her, and breathed a sigh of relief.  She would get through this just fine.

“Trix, think about this.  Was helping Dan worth antagonizing Luke?”

She looked at him warily, unsure where this question was leading.  He continued, “Was helping Miss Darcy worth annoying Peter Ashbury?  Or was helping Mrs. Elliott worth aggravating Al Finlay?  Better yet, was helping Di worth irritating Tilney Britten?  Are Juliana and I worth making an enemy of Jonesy?”

A sharply drawn breath was followed by a fierce, “Absolutely!”  Blue eyes blazed, as if daring anyone to say she was wrong.

Jim smiled softly.  “From where I stand, your interference in my life was the best thing that ever happened to me.  But that’s my point of view.  How would you see things if it was Jonesy after you?  Would you wish you had never met me?”

“How could you even ask me that?” she cried.  “You are my best friend.  The day I met you was one of the best days of my life!”

It had happened again.  The conversation was no longer about the situation; it was about them.  Emerald eyes held sapphire, and the world stopped.  After what seemed an eternity, he took a step towards her.  She flung herself forward and threw her arms around him and he held her tightly to him.  She buried her face in his chest, and he kissed the top of her head.

The strength of her feelings overwhelmed her.  Jim meant more to her than anyone in the world.  To think she would have been better off never meeting him because it would have been safer was just wrong.  Having Jim in her life was worth all the risk.  She squeezed tighter, never wanting to let him go.

The wave of emotion that washed over him was overpowering.  He could no longer imagine his life without Trixie.  For every time he had told her to be careful, he thought about living without her.  Her friendship, her very presence, was worth any risk to him.  He couldn’t begrudge her taking risks if the benefits were this important.

“Trixie, I know it seems like I always lecture you,” he said softly near her ear.  “I want you to be careful because I am so afraid of losing you.  But being careful doesn’t mean you should stop helping people.  For me, for Di, for Dan, and for dozens of other people, the world is a better place because we met you.  Don’t let the shadow of one jerk’s anger hide your light.”

Trixie trembled and sighed.  “I spend so much time complaining about your lectures that I forget how much you encourage me.  You are my strength and my rock.”  She leaned her head back so she could see his face.  She looked deeply into his eyes, displaying all her vulnerability.  “I need you.”

That look did him in.  He leaned down and softly, gently, claimed her lips with his own.

The rest of the world melted away.  For that moment in time, there was just the two of them, floating on air.  The kiss seemed to last forever.  Eventually their lips parted slowly.

The magical moment was shattered by the blast of a shotgun.

Bark exploded off the tree behind Trixie.

Jim shoved her to the ground, shielding her with his body while he looked around to identify the source of the blast.

Trixie muttered angrily, “That jerk is gonna pay for ruining that moment.”

Jim stopped searching to look down at her and grin.  She grinned back.

Reluctantly, Jim started to get up.  “I think we’d be better off in the house.  Crouch low and run for it.”

They ran for the back door.  Molinson was standing there, gun drawn, carefully eyeing the woods nearby.  He waved them in.

Trixie sauntered casually into the kitchen.  “Well, that was an exciting walk,” she announced.  “How much more fun can we have today?”

 Continued

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