Author's note: I try to be as accurate as possible, but if clitocybe illudens does not appear in N.Y. in the summer months, please forgive me. I thought it was interesting and so I'm willing to sacrifice reality. Ditto on the geography. Oh, and I'm not really making a statement about pepperoni pizza lovers.
The Disappearance of Dan
by Writer X
"It’s good to be back home!" Trixie Belden declared.
"We aren’t quite home, yet," Jim said. "Look, there’s Miss Trask!"
The Bob-Whites of the Glen or B.W.G.s for short were returning from Chicago where they’d visited with Diana Lynch’s cousin, Mrs. Whitton. They’d had a wonderful trip going to museums, walking along the lakefront, shopping, and seeing all the sights. Trixie even solved the mystery of Mrs. Whitton’s prowler.
"Finally," Mart said. "Di and her family left fifteen minutes ago."
Miss Trask came to greet them. Once she’d been Honey’s governess, but now she helped run Manor House for Honey and Jim’s parents.
"It’s good to see you all again," Miss Trask said. She was smiling, but her blue eyes were troubled.
"Is Tom here with the car?" asked Jim. She nodded. "Well, we have our bags, so we’re ready to go."
"Did the Lynches leave already?"
"Yes," Honey replied.
"I am sorry I’m late," Miss Trask said as they walked out to where the car waited. "I got a bit distracted at home and then the traffic was rather bad."
They loaded the bags into the trunk and settled into their seats for the ride home to Sleepyside.
"Okay," Jim said to Miss Trask who sat in front next to Tom, "now, you can tell us what’s the matter."
"Jim, what do you mean?" Honey said in surprise.
"Miss Trask told me she had something important to tell us when we got back," Jim told his sister. "I’m ready to hear it, Miss Trask."
Trixie was ready, too. She’d been wondering what Miss Trask had to say since yesterday evening when Jim first mentioned his phone conversation with her.
Miss Trask turned slightly in her seat, so that she could see the four Bob-Whites. Her expression was solemn. "I’m afraid I do have some distressing news," she sighed. "I didn’t want to tell you over the phone. It’s about Dan."
"Dan? Oh no, is he hurt?" Honey cried, fearing the worst.
"No, no," Miss Trask said hurriedly. "At least, I don’t think so. You see, Dan has disappeared."
"Disappeared?" Mart echoed, frowning.
"It seems that he’s run away."
"I don’t believe it!" Trixie exclaimed. "Why would Dan run away? He’s been very happy working with Mr. Maypenny and being one of the Bob-Whites."
"He left a note," Miss Trask continued, "and he didn’t run away by himself."
"A note, what did it say?" Trixie asked.
"Who’d he run away with?" Mart wanted to know.
Miss Trask shook her head sadly. "The note simply said that he had good reason to leave and that no one was to worry about him."
"How can we not worry?" Honey said, tears welling up in her hazel eyes. "I don’t understand how Dan could be so thoughtless."
"What good reason could he possibly have?" wondered Trixie.
"Who did he run away with?" Mart repeated.
"That’s the strangest part, Mart," Miss Trask said. "He ran away with Valerie."
"Valerie? That girl who was found living in the woods? I thought she was taken to the Children’s home?"
"She was actually placed with the Wades as a foster child," Miss Trask said. "But early yesterday morning they discovered she was missing. And then Mr. Maypenny found a note left by Dan addressed to him and Regan saying he’d gone with Valerie and not to worry. Nobody seems to know what’s going on."
"Dan must have a good reason," Jim said. "He’s obviously trying to help Valerie."
"Help her how?" asked Miss Trask.
"I don’t know how or why," Jim replied, "but I know Dan is a good guy and he wouldn’t just run off."
"I agree!" Honey said staunchly. "Dan has come a long way from when we first met him."
Trixie recalled when the tough Dan Mangan had arrived in Sleepyside. She hadn’t liked or trusted him, but he had saved her and her little brother Bobby from danger and it turned out he was Regan’s nephew who was trying to get away from some bad influences. He wanted to try and change and the Bob-Whites had welcomed him into their club. He had changed, Trixie thought. Honey and Jim were right. Dan wouldn’t have left without a good reason.
The Bob-Whites were quiet for the rest of the way home. Each was wondering why Dan had left and if he'd ever be back with them again.
"Gleeps, Moms, did you hear?" Trixie wailed.
"Yes, Trixie, I did," Mrs. Belden said. "Now, let me see that arm! Oh, Trixie!" Mrs. Belden had a pained look on her pretty face.
"Oh it’s nothing, Moms," Trixie assured her. "And my hand is doing great! I took off the bandage and I just have a few tiny scratches."
"Trixie Belden, don’t tell me it’s nothing!" Mrs. Belden told her. "I want you to soak that arm in the tub with Epsom Salt."
"But it doesn’t hurt much anymore!" protested Trixie. She rubbed her arm. It was still a little sore from when she landed on it and she had some scratches courtesy of Cal Morley’s fingernails, but she certainly didn’t want Moms fussing over her.
"I don’t want to hear another word," Mrs. Belden said firmly.
"But what about Dan?" Trixie demanded.
Mrs. Belden touched her daughter’s face briefly. "You can’t do anything about Dan, Trixie. Now, you take a bath while I unpack your things."
Trixie had to admit that the bath felt good. But her thoughts were constantly returning to Dan and Valerie and why they'd run away together.
Valerie had been discovered in the woods by Dan three weeks ago. He helped her out with food and supplies for awhile, but finally he turned to the other Bob-Whites for advice.
"She's an orphan," he told them. "She has nobody and she doesn't want anybody either. I don't know what to do. Part of me says I need to tell an adult, but another part of me understands what she's feeling."
"I can understand, too," Jim said quietly. "But we have to get her some help, Dan. She can't possibly survive on her own. She's too young."
"I don't know," Dan said stubbornly. "I was pretty good at taking care of myself."
"Jim could take care of himself," Trixie said, "but nobody that young should have to. It's much better to belong somewhere and to someone, isn't it?"
Dan had been silent for a moment, obviously thinking about her words. Then he nodded and smiled at her. "You're right about that, Trixie. It is nice to belong."
And so he told his uncle, the Wheelers' groom, and Miss Trask about Valerie and they alerted Sergeant Molinson. Valerie was taken away by Children's Services looking sullen and angry.
"I hope I did the right thing," Dan had remarked as they watched Valerie being driven away by the sergeant.
"You did," Jim assured him. "It was the only thing you could do."
But now Dan and Valerie had run away together and Trixie was determined to discover why and to find her friend.
At dinner that night, Mart asked about Brian, their older brother. "When's he coming back from Mexico?" Brian Belden had gone to Mexico as a student volunteer on a medical mission. He hoped to gain a lot of experience that would help on his way to becoming a doctor.
"Brian will be home Monday morning," Mr. Belden said.
"Trixie, will you please stop picking at your food," said Mrs. Belden reproachfully.
"Sorry, Moms," Trixie mumbled.
"Your mother’s food is certainly worth more than a pick," Mr. Belden agreed, frowning at his daughter. "What’s the matter?"
"Oh, it’s Dan, I guess," Trixie said. "I wonder where he is."
"We are all concerned about Dan," Mr. Belden said, "but there is nothing to be gained by not eating dinner. You’re bound to regret it later tonight."
"I know," Trixie said, trying to smile. She did her best to push Dan out of her mind and concentrate on Moms’ delicious meal.
After dinner, Trixie was helping her mother with the dishes when the telephone rang. She started for it, but heard Mart call out from the other room. "I got it!" he said. "Maybe it’s Brian."
"I doubt it’s Brian," Mrs. Belden remarked, scrubbing a pot vigorously. "He has only called once since he’s been gone."
"Probably Jim or Honey," Trixie said absent-mindedly and then she perked up. "Hey, maybe there’s news about Dan!"
"Maybe, but if so, Mart will tell us. Keep drying , Trixie."
Trixie sighed and wiped at a dinner plate. She kept listening for Mart to come in and tell her Dan had been found, but he never did.
When the dishes were all done, Mrs. Belden went to check on Bobby, the youngest Belden. Trixie decided to go to her room and get ready for bed. She was tired from the traveling and the anxiety of the day.
She had just slipped into her pajamas when there was a quiet knock at her door.
"Trix?" Mart’s voice was low and urgent. "I need to speak to you."
She opened the door and let him in. "What’s up?" she asked. "The phone call—it was news about Dan?"
Mart faced his sister with a grim expression. "Trixie, that phone call was Dan."
An emergency meeting of the Bob-Whites of the Glen was called on Saturday morning. Trixie and Mart hurried up the well-traveled path to Manor House and to the Bob-White clubhouse which stood on its grounds. The clubhouse used to be an old gatehouse, but the Bob-Whites had fixed it up with a lot of hard work and now were proud to call it theirs.
Trixie burst into the clubhouse with Mart on her heels. Jim and Honey were sitting solemnly at the table waiting for them.
"Where’s Diana?" asked Trixie breathlessly, brushing a wayward lock of strawberry-blonde hair from her forehead.
"She’s coming," Honey said. "She called to say she was running a little late."
"Gleeps! I’m just about to explode and now we have to wait!"
"Well, why don’t you start and we can catch Di up when she gets here," Jim said. His green eyes were troubled. "I want to know what Dan had to say."
"Oh, yes!" Honey said anxiously. "I couldn’t eat breakfast after you called!"
"I guess we might as well get to it," Mart said, taking a seat at the table.
"Last night Dan called you," Jim prompted.
"Yes." Mart hesitated. "He said he’s fine, but he didn’t want me to tell anyone that he’d called."
"But he must know we are all worried!" Honey exclaimed. "What about Regan?"
Mart shrugged. "I don’t know what he’s thinking, but he made it clear that I should definitely not tell Regan. Anyhow, he wants me to drive over to White Plains and bring him something."
"He’s in White Plains!" Honey sounded relieved.
"What does he want you to bring?" Jim asked.
"I don't know," Mart said honestly.
Honey frowned. "What do you mean, Mart? That doesn't make sense."
Trixie couldn't contain herself any longer. "Oh, Honey, it's so mysterious! Dan said that whatever it was is hidden in the hollow of a dead tree that glows in the dark!"
"Glows in the dark?" Jim was skeptical. "What kind of nonsense is that?"
Mart clenched his jaw. "It's what Dan told me," he said tightly.
"But how can we find this tree?' Honey asked. "There are so many trees, even dead ones, and we won't see it glow in the daytime."
"It's in the area where Valerie was camping out," Trixie said. "We've all been there."
"So, what exactly is the idea here?" Jim wanted to know, his voice impatient. "We're supposed to go on some treasure hunt for a glowing tree tonight while Regan and Mr. Maypenny and everyone else worries about Dan?"
"It's what Dan told us to do," Mart said,
"Well, I don't care what Dan told us to do!" snapped Jim. "He's being very inconsiderate, if you ask me!"
"Nobody asked you!" Mart retorted testily.
"Oh, please, let's not fight," Honey intervened between the two boys. "We have to try and help Dan. It must be awfully important to him."
"I know exactly how to help Dan," Jim said, standing up abruptly. "He's in White Plains--where exactly, Mart?"
"He said I should meet him at the bus station there," Mart replied, sounding a little calmer. "Sunday."
"Fine, we know where and when," Jim said with a decisive nod. "I'm going to go and tell Regan."
"Jim, you can't!" Trixie protested.
"Some friend you are!" Mart accused. "I wouldn't have told you if I'd known you'd betray Dan."
"Dan is the one who betrayed us. Us and Regan. He should have trusted us with whatever was wrong, but instead he ran away."
"Jim, we weren't here for him to talk to," Trixie said, putting a hand on Jim's arm. "Be fair."
"But Regan was here. Why couldn't he go to him?"
"I don't know," admitted Trixie. "But I'm willing to give a fellow Bob-White the benefit of the doubt. You even said Dan must have a good reason."
"Let's vote on it," Honey piped up. "Okay, Jim?" She appealed to her brother with pleading hazel eyes.
"Vote on what?" Diana came into the clubhouse looking bemused. "What did I miss?"
Trixie sighed loudly. "More than we can tell you, Di."
Honey quickly filled Diana in on Dan's phone call and Jim's desire to go to Regan.
"Now, shall we vote?' Honey asked, looking around at her friends. Her eyes rested on her brother's angry face. "Jim?"
"All right," he said quietly. "I vote we tell Regan."
"I vote we don't," Mart said.
"I agree with Mart," Trixie said.
"Big surprise!" Jim said sarcastically. "Anytime you smell a mystery--"
"Jim," Honey said lightly, "we shouldn't judge each other's vote."
Jim shrugged and crossed his arms. Trixie ached a little inside seeing how cut off he was from her.
"How about you, Diana?" Mart asked. "What's your vote?"
Di frowned and shook her head slowly. "I really think I have to agree with Jim. I don't see what could be wrong about Regan knowing where Dan is. And what about Mr. Maypenny?"
"Well, Honey," Jim said slowly, his gaze focused on his younger sister. "I guess it's up to you."
Honey took a deep breath. "I vote with Mart and Trixie," she said, apologetically.
"I see." Jim moved restlessy to the window and stared out. "If Brian were here, he might vote with me and Diana."
"Brian isn't here," Mart said unnecessarily. "And he won't be here until Monday."
"You won't tell Regan, will you, Jim?" Trixie asked.
Jim never turned from the window. "I'll abide by the vote."
"Okay, then tonight we'll go and find the tree," Trixie began.
"I'm not going," Jim interrupted. "You guys go ahead, but I'm staying home tonight."
"But Jim--" Trixie started to protest.
"Forget it, Trixie," Mart cut her off. "We don't need him."
Yes, we do, she thought, I need him to be okay with this.
"I'll just leave you to your plans," Jim said and he left on that terse note.
Everyone was silent a moment after he exited. The remaining Bob-Whites looked at each other with conflicting faces. Then Honey began to cry.
"He's mad at me," she wailed. "Because I didn't vote with him. I hurt him terribly."
Diana put a comforting arm around Honey. "He's not really mad, Honey. He's just very upset by this situation with Dan. Don't cry."
"Look, I'm the one Dan called," Mart said. "I shouldn't have told any of you about it. I can go by myself tonight."
"No, Mart!" Trixie said firmly. "This concerns all the Bob-Whites. I want to be there, too."
"So do I," Honey said, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. "I want to help Dan." She sniffled.
"I'll come along," Di said, her violet eyes were uncertain, but her voice was not. "If Dan needs us, then we have to be there for him."
"Then it's set," Trixie said. "We'll meet back here after dinner. Bring a flashlight, everyone."
The night was cool for summer and Trixie wished she'd brought a sweater. Diana and Honey had sensibly done just that, she noted ruefully. Mart had pulled on a sweatshirt before they left Crabapple Farm, but Trixie hadn't noticed until it was too late.
"Trix, are you chilly?" Honey asked.
They were at the clubhouse as planned.
"A little," Trixie replied. "I didn't think about the night air."
Honey came over to her, clutching a flannel shirt. "Here, wear this," she told Trixie. "It's Jim's. He left it here, I don't know when, but it seems clean."
Trixie took the shirt reluctantly. She felt guilty about Jim. He was up at Manor House being angry at them and she wished so much for him to be beside her right now in the clubhouse.
She slipped into his shirt and wrapped it tightly about her. It gave her some comfort, she realized with a smile. A little piece of Jim to hold onto--it even smelled slightly of him. A strong, woodsy, masculine scent that she inhaled deeply.
"Let's go," Mart said.
The four Bob-Whites made their way into the woods of the Wheeler game preserve. Mart led the way with his Maglite flashlight beaming strongly before him, illuminating the dark.
"I can't imagine what Dan means by a tree that glows," Honey whispered.
"Why are you whispering?" asked Diana. "There's nobody here."
Honey giggled. "I don't know. I guess I'm a little tense."
"Maybe the tree has flourescent paint on it, just like the ghost ship," Trixie offered a possible explanation.
"Maybe," agreed Honey.
They continued on in silence. The only noise was the occasional snapping of a twig or kicking of a pebble. At last, they came to the area where Dan had discovered Valerie camping illegally.
Trixie was disappointed. "I don't see a glowing tree."
"Patience, Beatrix," Mart said. "Give us a chance to peruse the environs with our orbs."
Trixie scowled at her look-alike brother. She hated when anyone used her full name. "Well, my orbs aren't detecting anything that glows. Not even a firefly!"
"Maybe we have to spread out a little," Honey suggested. "It could be anywhere in the area."
"I don't want to be alone," Diana said with a shudder. "It's kind of creepy out here."
"You go with Mart," Trixie said. "Honey and I will stick together."
Trixie and Honey moved quietly, flashing their lights every now and then at a bush or a tree.
"Di's right," Honey said. "It is creepy out here."
Trixie didn't respond. She moved to the left, searching for any trace of a glow.
"Look!" Honey gasped.
Trixie followed her friend's gaze. "Oh my gosh," she breathed. "The tree that glows!"
Honey shouted for Mart and Diana and then the two girls hurried over to the tree.
"Why is it doing that?' Trixie wondered. "I don't think it's paint!"
The two girls moved closer to the strange glow that came from the base of the rotting tree. Trixie shined her flashlight at it.
"Mushrooms!" she exclaimed in surprise.
Mart and Di joined the girls.
"Jack O'Lanterns," Mart declared, peering at the fungi. "Poisonous, you know."
"They look it!" Di said. "Yuck, who would eat them anyhow?"
"They don't glow in the daytime," Mart said. "Actually, they fool people all the time because they superficially resemble chanterelles. You probably won't die if you eat them, but you'll have excruciating pain for several hours and wish you were dead."
"Forget the mushrooms," Trixie said impatiently. "Let's get to the tree." She aimed her beam into the hollow of the tree.
"Do you see anything?" Mart wanted to know, coming beside her.
"Yes!" Trixie excitedly reached into the hollow and pulled out a small leather satchel.
"That must be what Dan wants," Honey said. "I wonder what's in it?"
"Money?" Di suggested. "It looks like it would hold papers maybe."
"There's one way to find out," said Trixie, eyeing the small gold clasps on the front of the satchel.
"No, Trixie," Mart said firmly, snatching the pouch from her hands. "We aren't going to snoop."
"It wouldn't be snooping!" Trixie told him indignantly. "It would be helping."
Mart snorted. "Helping? And how do you figure that, Beatrix?"
She bit her lip to hold back a nasty comeback and counted to ten. "Because," she said deliberately, "Dan is in trouble and whatever is in that pouch could tell us why."
"Dan can tell me tomorrow," Mart said. "And that's that. Come on, we should be getting home before the folks get suspicious. I don't want to have to tell any lies."
Trixie wanted to argue, but she could see it would be a losing battle.
Something occurred to her as they were walking back towards the clubhouse. "What do you mean, Dan can tell you tomorrow?" she asked her brother. "What about the rest of us?"
"Look, he told me that I was supposed to bring it to him," Mart said. "He never mentioned anyone else."
"Yeah, well, consider us mentioned!" Trixie shined her light into Mart's face causing him to squint.
"Hey, stop that!" he demanded.
"You asked us to help you and now we are all going to help Dan!" Trixie said.
"Fine," Mart said. "We'll all go to White Plains. Are you happy?"
"I won't be happy until Dan is back home," Honey said.
They all agreed.
Trixie arose early the next morning to get a headstart on all her chores. She and Mart were going to meet Honey and Di at the clubhouse late morning and take the club station wagon to White Plains.
As she was giving the living room a quick dusting, the phone rang.
"Trixie?" Honey sounded a little anxious.
"Hi, Honey," Trixie said. "I'm just finishing my chores. Mart and I should be over soon."
"Good, because there's something else," her friend replied.
"Something else? About Dan?"
"Well, more about Valerie," Honey told her. "We'll tell you later at the clubhouse. It could be important!"
It wasn't until she had hung up that Trixie wondered who Honey meant by "we".
She found out when she and Mart arrived at the Bob-White clubhouse a little later. Diana was just arriving as they got there. The three of them stopped short when they saw Jim standing with Honey.
"I guess you weren't expecting to see me," Jim said.
"No," Mart said icily. "Definitely not."
"Please, Mart," begged Honey, "no arguing. Jim has found out something that could help us."
"I'm listening." Mart crossed his arms and stood erect.
"Yes, what is it, Jim?" Trixie gushed. "I could hardly wait to get here after Honey called."
Jim smiled slightly. Her enthusiasm was one of the things he liked best about her. "I went to see the Wades," he said. "I wanted to ask some questions about Valerie. Whatever reason Dan has run off is connected to her, after all."
"I'm sure the police spoke to them already," Mart said, not warming up to Jim.
"The police don't care much about runaways," Jim said tightly.
"Please, tell us what you learned," Diana asked, trying to stop another argument.
"The strangest thing," continued Jim. "It turns out that Valerie's not an orphan after all."
There was a long pause before Trixie spoke. "Not an orphan? What do you mean by that?"
"Just what I say, Trix. Valerie's people showed up at the Wades' yesterday. In fact, they had just left a little while before I arrived."
"Her people," Honey said. "Were they her parents?"
"No. Her aunt and uncle. Apparently, Valerie ran away from their home in Pennsylvania about two months ago and they've been searching for her frantically. I guess her parents are dead, so in that sense she is an orphan. But she does have a family who cares about her."
"Maybe they don't care about her," Trixie said. "Maybe they are mean, awful people who treat her badly." She almost added Like Jonesey treated you, but didn't.
"Maybe," Jim said, but he sounded doubtful. "But why would they be looking for her if they didn't care? Mrs. Wade said the Porters--that's their name--were very upset to learn they had just missed Valerie. They are staying at the Sleepyside Inn and wanted the Wades to contact them with any news."
"I see," said Mart. "So, you want to blab about where she and Dan are?"
"Mart, stop it," ordered Trixie. "I don't want any more fights!"
"It's okay, Trixie," Jim said, turning to face Mart. "Listen, I know Dan must think he has good reason to be doing this. But maybe it's a lie. We don't know what this Valerie has told him. He thinks she has nobody in the world, remember?"
"I repeat, you want to tell the Porters where they are," said Mart stubbornly.
"I thought about it," Jim admitted. "But I want to have a chance to speak with Dan first. I know yesterday I said we should tell Regan and I'm still not sure that that wasn't the best idea. But I am willing to hear what Dan has to say and I want to tell him about the Porters. Maybe we can convince him to come back to Sleepyside with us."
"Okay, then," Trixie said. "Let's go to White Plains."
They arrived at the bus station around eleven. Mart thought he should go in alone while the others waited outside.
Jim disagreed. "We're all his friends--we'll go in together."
And that's what they did. The five Bob-Whites marched into the White Plains bus station as if going off on a battle mission. Which, Trixie reflected, was rather the truth.
They glanced around the station searching for the face of their friend.
"I don't see him!" Honey wailed. "Maybe he changed his mind!"
"No, he wants the pouch," Mart said. "He must be here."
"I am here." Dan's voice came from behind them. "But what are all of you doing here?"
The Bob-Whites whirled around. Dan stood before them looking tired and grim. As far as Trixie could tell, he was alone.
"Dan!" Trixie exclaimed. "Are we glad to see you!"
Dan gave a sharp nod and spoke to Mart. "You brought it with you?"
Mart handed the small leather satchel to Dan. "It was just where you said it would be."
"Dan," Jim said, "we have to talk to you."
"I can't talk now." Dan's voice was weary, but determined. "I need to get back to Valerie. Thanks for bringing this."
"About Valerie," Jim persisted. "Her aunt and uncle showed up in Sleepyside."
"They did?" Dan said, startled. "What happened?"
"They turned up at the Wades' very concerned about Valerie. She apparently ran away from home, Dan."
"I already know about that." Dan waved a hand. "Those people can't be trusted, Jim."
"And why not?" demanded Jim. "What exactly did Valerie tell you?"
Dan frowned at Jim. "I don't think I like what you're implying."
"Dan, are you sure Valerie is being truthful?" Trixie broke into the conversation.
"Listen, Jim and Trixie and the rest of you," Dan said angrily. "You don't understand. Valerie is in some trouble and I'm just trying to help her."
"Tell us what kind of trouble," Honey urged him. "We want to help, too."
Dan softened a bit. "I'm sorry, but it's not my place to tell. Valerie trusts me and I don't want to ruin that."
"But Dan," Diana said, her violet eyes pleading with him, "everyone is so worried about you. Think about Regan and Mr. Maypenny..."
For a moment Dan seemed to waver and then he shook his head. "I can't talk anymore, I've got to get back to Valerie. Sorry."
"Funny," Jim said to him. "I thought you trusted us. I thought we were your friends."
Dan said nothing. He just kept shaking his head and left them standing in the middle of the bus station wondering if they would ever see their friend again.
"This is awful," Honey said softly, her voice quivering. "I can't believe he just walked away like that."
"I guess we should go," Mart suggested.
"No," Trixie said slowly. "I think we should stick around. I have a feeling that Valerie isn't too far from here."
"I agree," Jim said. "I'm almost positive that she and Dan are planning to take a bus from here."
"So, we wait?" asked Di.
Trixie sighed and looked over at her dark-haired friend. "We wait."
They had to wait for twenty minutes before they saw Dan reappear with Valerie. They were deep in discussion as they walked towards the ticket office. The Bob-Whites tried to remain inconspicuous as they observed the pair from a distance.
"You were right, Jim," Mart said, sounding glum. "They are going to get on a bus."
"Oh no," Honey said. "We can't let Dan disappear again."
"We won't, Honey," Trixie assured her. "I'm going to find out where they're headed right now."
She hurried away from her friends, bobbing through the crowds of people, trying not to be noticeable. Her brother was amused.
"Give me a break," Mart said. "Who does she think she is anyhow? Lucy Radcliffe, spy extraordinnaire?"
"I bet she finds out," Jim said, a touch of pride in his voice.
"Trixie Belden, detective extraordinnaire," Honey agreed with a smile.
Mart rolled his eyes. But deep down he knew that Trixie was pretty resourceful when she needed to be and he admired her for that.
They observed Trixie talking to the ticket seller and then she turned and waved frantically at the other Bob-Whites.
"She wants us to come over, I guess," Di said.
The four Bob-Whites quickly joined Trixie at the ticket office.
"Listen, do you guys have any money?" Trixie asked breathlessly.
"Why do you want to know?" Mart asked.
"I need thirty-five dollars," she explained. "I only have five on me."
"What is this about?" Jim wanted to know.
"Dan and Valerie just bought two tickets to Allsbury. The bus leaves in fifteen minutes and I intend to be on board!"
"Trixie, that's ridiculous!" Mart admonished. "At least, we know where Dan is headed. I guess maybe it's time we told Regan. I'm sorry, Jim, I really thought Dan would have some great explanation for why he is doing this and that's why I didn't want to tell."
"It's all right, Mart," Jim said. "I thought Dan would confide in us today, too."
"Hey, the bus leaves soon!" Trixie interrupted impatiently.
"We don't have to get on the bus with them," Jim said. "We'll report their destination to Regan and hope it all works out. Let's go home."
"But Jim--" Trixie began.
"Forget it, Trix. I don't think our parents want all of us to disappear along with Dan."
"He's right, Trixie," Mart said. "It's time to go home."
Trixie just nodded, as she chewed her lower lip thoughtfully.
As they were walking towards the exit, Trixie grabbed onto Honey and Diana's arms.
"I need to talk to you," she hissed.
Jim glanced back at the girls, frowning. "What's the hold-up?"
"We have to go to the restroom," Trixie told him. "It will just take a minute."
The boys looked at each other and sighed.
"What is about girls and bathrooms?" Mart said to Jim. "They can never go alone."
"Beats me," Jim said.
"We'll meet you guys at the car, okay?" Trixie said. "Come on, Honey and Di."
The three girls went in search of the ladies' room.
Once inside, Honey turned to face her best friend. "Okay, what is this all about, Trixie?"
"Listen, I have to hurry and get on that bus. Gleeps, it's leaving in less than ten minutes!"
"But Trixie, you don't have the money," Di said. "Besides, you heard what the boys said."
"The boys!" Trixie snorted. "If we let Dan out of our sight now, we might never find him again. Allsbury is a big place."
"Well, if you're going, then I'm going, too," Honey declared.
"Oh no," Diana groaned. "Honey, you can't be serious?"
"How much money do you have, Honey?" Trixie asked.
"Um, not much," Honey admitted ruefully. "I didn't think to bring my purse. I just have a few dollars and some change."
It seemed hopeless. Trixie frantically tried to think of a solution, aware that precious seconds were ticking away.
"Di," Honey said slowly, "you have your purse with you."
Trixie and Honey stared at the small black leather bag that hung at Diana's side.
"Now, wait a minute," Diana protested, clutching her purse to her body.
"Come on, Di," begged Trixie. "Can you lend me some cash?"
"I don't have very much cash, Trixie," Diana said. "I just have..." her voice broke off.
"You have what?" Trixie demanded.
Diana reluctantly finished her statement. "A credit card."
Trixie and Honey exchanged a glance.
"I'm getting on that bus," Trixie said.
"Me, too," said Honey. "Di?"
"I'm not going anywhere but Sleepyside," Diana said. She sighed at the expressions on her friends' faces. "But I guess I could buy you tickets. Mind if I actually use this restroom first?"
"Okay, but be quick about it," Trixie said. "We haven't much time."
When they bought their tickets, the ticket seller told them the bus was leaving in three minutes and they needed to hurry to catch it.
"What should I tell Jim and Mart?" asked Di.
"Tell them Honey and I will be okay," said Trixie. "And we will call home as soon as we arrive in Allsbury."
Di reached into her purse and took out a ten dollar bill and some singles. "Here," she said, handing it to Honey. "It's not much, but it's all I have in cash. You will need some money for food and stuff."
"Thanks, Di." Honey hugged her friend. "You're the best!"
"Yes, thanks for the tickets, too," Trixie said, smiling. "I will pay you back somehow."
"Just get back to Sleepyside safe and sound," Diana told her. "Even if it's without Dan."
"I promise," Trixie said. "Jeepers, Honey, we've got to get moving. Goodbye, Diana!"
Trixie and Honey arrived at the bus for Allsbury with only seconds to spare.
"Well," said the driver, "I was just about to close the door."
"We're glad you didn't!" Trixie puffed, handing him her ticket.
"Look," Honey said in a low voice. "There's Dan."
Trixie and Honey made their way towards the back of the bus where Dan sat with Valerie. As they approached, he looked up and saw them. He scowled. "What do you think you're doing?"
"We're coming with you," Trixie said, plopping down into the seat across the aisle. Honey moved in next to her.
"Are you crazy?" Dan asked her. "Does Jim condone this?"
"He probably doesn't know yet."
The bus groaned and jerked forward. They were on their way to Allsbury.
"I told you I didn't want your help," Dan grumbled.
"Bob-Whites stick together," Honey said.
Dan turned to Valerie. "I'm sorry about this."
Valerie smiled slightly. "Don't be. It's nice that you have friends and people who care about you." Her voice wavered a little.
Honey leaned across Trixie. "Valerie, won't you tell us what's the matter? We want to be your friends, too."
Valerie tapped Dan on the hand. "Switch seats with me?" she asked him. He complied. "I suppose I might as well tell you," she started. "It won't do any harm. You see, somebody's trying to kill me."
Honey gasped. "Trying to kill you?"
Valerie nodded. "Those people who were looking for me at the Wades'--they aren't my aunt and uncle. The woman is my stepmother and the man is her cousin. I noticed them in Sleepyside a few days ago. It's why I left the Wades. I wasn't safe."
"They want to kill you?" Trixie said incredulously. "Why?"
Tears sprang to Valerie's chocolate eyes. "I don't know why, Trixie! I can't figure it out. I think she just hates me!"
Dan leaned over and interrupted. "Her father is very ill and in the hospital. Valerie didn't want to leave home, but she's convinced that her stepmother was trying to hurt her."
"Tell us why you think that," Trixie said to Valerie.
"Well, I've been having all sorts of near misses. Once as I crossed the street, a car almost ran me down. I barely made it out of the way. I am almost positive it was my stepmother's cousin's--his name is Phil--car. A blue Buick."
She stopped a moment and wiped at her eyes. Then she continued. "And my stepmother made me this soup when I had a cold. I told her I wasn't hungry but she insisted I eat it. She went on and on about I didn't appreciate her hard work and how she'd gone through the trouble to make me homemade soup. So, I ate it, but not very much. I really don't like soup that much and I wasn't hungry as I said. When she left me alone, I went into the bathroom and flushed it down the toilet. That night, I had terrible pains and felt nauseated."
"You think she poisoned you?" Trixie said.
Valerie nodded. "Yes, but she failed since I didn't eat much. I could see she was disappointed. And that's not all--there was one other incident which is why I ran away."
"What other incident?"
"Well, my father hasn't been well for awhile. Irma, my stepmother, said it would do him good to relax and it probably wouldn't hurt me, either. So, we all went picnicking at Bayer's Bluff....that's near where I live. Irma said she just had to show me the view from her favorite spot. I went with her and she tried to push me off the edge! I managed to grab a branch and steady myself. Oh, she said she was sorry and it was an accident, but it didn't feel like one. And it wasn't long after that my father went into the hosiptal after falling ill again."
"Valerie, why not go to the police with this?" Trixie asked her.
"I can see you aren't sure if you believe me, Trixie. Now, would the police be more likely to believe my story?"
"So, you ran away because you feared for your life?" Honey spoke.
"That day at the Bluff and the fact that my father was not at home anymore convinced me I had to do something. But I'm not running away really. I'm running to something--my grandfather."
"Your grandfather?" echoed Trixie. One minute Valerie was an orphan and the next she had a father, a stepmother, and now a grandfather.
"My mother's father," Valerie said with a sigh. "Aside from my dad and some distant aunt, he's my only relative in the world. He and my motherr had a falling out because my mother married my father against his wishes or something, so we lost touch with him years ago. But I was going through my mother's old belongings when I came across this."
Valerie opened the small leather bag, causing Trixie to jump up in her seat with anticipation. She withdrew her hand clutching an envelope.
"A letter," Valerie explained. "A reply to something my mother sent, I guess." She handed it to Trixie. "Go ahead, read it."
Trixie slipped out the letter and unfolded it. Honey peered over to see what it said.
Margaret,
Thank you for your letter of November the twentieth. I see from the photograph of my granddaughter that the Porter genes are strong as ever. I could see a little of your late mother in her eyes as well.
Understand that Christmas is a most inconvenient time to travel. In addition, I have many obligations here in Allsbury that must be met every day.
I do wish you all the best.
Your father,
Jerome C. Porter
Trixie slowly slid the letter back into its envelope and handed it to Valerie.
"It's very businesslike, isn't it?" Valerie said sadly. "And there was no return address. But I know he's in Allsbury, at least."
"So, you're going to Allsbury to find your grandfather," Trixie said. "Valerie, that sounds reasonable. I don't understand why you couldn't tell anyone."
"I told Dan," she replied with a smile. "And lucky for me, he listened. I knew any grown-ups would send me back to my stepmother."
"But why were you in Sleepyside?" Honey asked.
"Oh, that's because of this other letter to my mother that I found. It was from an old firend of hers from school. She lived in Sleepyside when she wrote the letter, but when I got here, it turned out she had moved. I thought maybe a friend of my mother's might believe me, you see. And I didn't think Irma would find me here. I hadn't decided if I would go to see my grandfather until Irma and Phil showed up in Sleepyside."
"Are the letters all that's in the satchel?" asked Trixie.
"No, I'm carrying my mother's things in here," said Valerie. "I couldn't leave them behind."
"Oh." Trixie was disappointed.
They all fell silent then, retreating into their thoughts as the bus rumbled towards Allsbury.
This was a crazy idea, Trixie thought, There's no real mystery here. I should have just let Dan help Valerie by himself. And now Moms and Dad will be upset...and Jim.
She knew Jim would be angry and worried. And it was all for nothing. She could see that now. She closed her eyes.
The next thing she knew, Honey was shaking her. "Trix, we're here."
"What?" Trixie sat up. She must have dozed off and now they were in Allsbury, New York.
"Where do we go now?" asked Trixie.
"I need to use the restroom," Honey said.
"Why don't we all do that and meet at the phones then?" Dan said.
"The phones?" Trixie frowned.
"The logical step is to look Jerome Porter up in the phone book, Trixie."
"Oh, right." Trixie reddened. She usually thought of those things.
Trixie was finished before Honey and Valerie and she hurried to the phones to find Dan already there looking in the phone book.
"Any luck?"
Dan shook his head. "No Jerome Porter. There is a J. Porter, though. I think we should check it out."
"Dan," Trixie said cautiously. "Do you really think Valerie's stepmother is trying to kill her?'
Dan sighed and ran a hand through his dark hair. "I'm not sure, Trixie. I think Valerie is afraid of her stepmother for whatever reason. I'm certain she didn't really want to leave her father while he's sick. Maybe she's imagining that Mrs. Cameron is trying to kill her, but she must have some basis for thinking her stepmother hates her. In any case, I just think it can't be wrong to help her find her grandfather.
"I suppose not," Trixie agreed. "I only wish that...Dan, maybe I should call home and let everyone know we are all right. Di knows where we've gone, so it's not a secret anymore."
"Okay, Trixie. Go ahead."
Trixie put in some coins and dialed the number for Crabapple Farm.
"Hello?" It was Mart.
Trixie cleared her throat. "Mart, it's Trixie....."
"Trixie! You are in big trouble!"
"Mart, listen, Honey and I are fine. We're with Dan and Valerie."
"Dad wants to drive to Allsbury and get you except we didn't know where in Allsbury you'd be! Moms and he are frantic wondering what you're getting yourself into."
"Mart, it's nothing bad, I promise," Trixie said, guilt washing over her. "We're just going to help Valerie find her grandfather. I don't think it'll even take very long."
"How are you getting home, Trixie?" Mart demaded. "You can't use Di's credit card this time!"
Trixie hadn't thought about how they'd get back to Sleepyside. "We'll find a way, I guess."
"Dad wants to pick you up. Just give me an address."
"Mart, I don't have one! Just trust me. We'll phone when we're ready to leave."
"Trixie, Valerie's aunt and uncle were furious that we didn't tell them about where she was earlier. And Moms and Dad agree we should have told."
Honey and Valerie joined Trixie and Dan at the phones.
"I have to go now," Trixie said. "Bye."
She hung up and grimaced at the others.
"Who were you talking to, Trixie?" Honey asked.
"Mart. Everyone's in an uproar about us, I guess."
"I'm sorry to cause you all so much trouble," Valerie said.
"You didn't," Trixie assured her. "We made up our own minds to help you."
"I'm going to call J. Porter and see if I can find anything out," Dan said.
The three girls watched anxiously as Dan placed the call.
"Hello," Dan said into the receiver. "I'm trying to locate Jerome Porter and I came across your number....I see....Uh-huh.....My name is Dan Mangan....No, I didn't know Mr. Porter, but I'm with his granddaughter here in Allsbury and....Yes. Valerie....Okay, thank you very much. We will. Bye."
Dan hung up the phone.
"Oh, Dan, hurry and tell us what you learned!" Trixie exclaimed.
Dan looked at Valerie. "Well, Jerome Porter doesn't live there. That was his sister Julia Porter. She wants us to come over to her home as soon as possible. She's very excited about meeting you, Valerie."
Valerie smiled. "And what about my grandfather? Is he still in Allsbury?"
Dan glanced away for a moment and then focused back on Valerie reluctantly.
"Valerie, I am very sorry," he said quietly. "But your grandfather is no longer living."
"Oh no," Honey said. "I'm so sorry, Valerie."
Valerie's eyes welled up with tears. "He's dead? I've come all this way for nothing."
"Not for nothing," Trixie said. "Your grandfather's sister wants to see you."
"That's right," Honey said. "She's your great-aunt. She's family, Valerie."
"I-I suppose," Valerie said in a choked voice. "I just thought I'd meet my mother's father. Now, I never will."
"Come on," Dan said. "We have to find some way to get to your aunt's house."
They discovered that a local bus line ran near Miss Porter's neighborhood, but it was not operating on Sunday. So, they were forced to take a cab.
"I guess it's lucky Di gave us that extra cash," Honey said as she watched the meter running higher and higher.
"Don't worry, Honey," said Valerie. "I brought money with me."
They arrived at Miss Porter's building and paid the driver.
"Wow, it's a nice building," Dan said, looking up at the modern glass and steel structure.
Trixie wrinkled her nose. "Well, it's new, anyhow." She much preferred the charms of Sleepyside.
The doorman called up to Miss Porter and then let them pass.
"I'm nervous," Valerie said as they stood outside of her great-aunt's apartment.
"Don't worry, Valerie," Honey said with a smile. "We're all here with you."
Julia Porter was about seventy, Trixie guessed. Her hair was silver and cropped close to her head.
"My dear," Miss Porter said warmly, hugging Valerie. "Come in."
"How did you know I was the one?" Valerie asked after they'd all entered the apartment.
"You look so much like your grandmother and I can see Porter in you as well," said Miss Porter. "I can't tell you how happy I am to finally meet you."
"I didn't even know about you," Valerie said. "I knew my father had an aunt, but not my mother. I--I'm sorry about my grandfather."
"Oh, he would have been so happy to meet you, I'm sure," Miss Porter said. "Please, everyone have a seat."
Trixie sat on the couch next to Honey. She glanced at the assorted photographs and knick-knacks on the end table beside her.
"Valerie, it is such a shame my brother was a stubborn old mule. He really did want to know you, but his pride got in the way."
"When my mother died," Valerie said softly, "why didn't he come to see me?"
"He went to the funeral," Miss Porter told her. "But you weren't there. Your father was not too happy to see Jerome."
"I wasn't allowed to go to her funeral. I was seven and my father thought it would be hard on me. I wish I'd gone, though."
"Would you like something to drink?" Miss Porter asked everyone. "Valerie, come with me in the kitchen and we'll get everyone some iced tea."
"Sounds wonderful," Honey said. "Shall I help, too?"
"No, you three can just relax. I'd like to chat more with Valerie."
Honey smiled understandingly.
"Strange," Trixie said after Valerie and Miss Porter had gone through the swinging kitchen door.
"What's strange?" Dan asked, flipping through a magazine.
"Miss Porter, this apartment--something's not quite right."
"Trixie, don't be silly," Honey said, surprised at her friend. "Miss Porter is a perfectly nice lady and she's Valerie's aunt."
"I guess."
Dan dropped the magazine onto the coffee table and frowned at Trixie. "What are you trying to say? What's wrong with Miss Porter?"
Trixie shrugged. "I'm really not sure. But she's not in any of these pictures. Besides, Valerie never heard of her mother having an aunt."
"Trixie, does everything have to be mysterious? People don't always keep photographs of themselves on display, do they? Think about it. Also, Valerie was just a little kid when her mother died, so it's not surprising she never knew about her aunt."
"Trixie, I don't understand why you've taken a dislike to Miss Porter when you've hardly met her," Honey said. "I know you were disappointed that there's no mystery, but please don't ruin this happy time for Valerie."
"Okay, okay," Trixie agreed. "I'm sorry. I can't help it if I get a feeling."
Valerie and Miss Porter returned with iced tea for everyone, laughing and smiling as if they'd known each other for ages.
Trixie tried to see some sort of family resemblance, but failed.
"Miss Porter," she said as she sipped her iced tea, "you mentioned that Valerie looks a great deal like her grandparents. Do you have some pictures of them?"
Honey nudged Trixie and flashed her a warning look.
"Oh, yes," Valerie exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I'd love to see some family photos!"
"Why, of course," Miss Porter said, but Trixie sensed she was thrown off balance. "Just a moment."
Miss Porter disappeared into another room. Trixie supposed it was the bedroom.
"What do you think you're doing?" Honey whispered to Trixie.
Trixie looked innocently at her best friend. "It's always fun to look at old photos, isn't it?"
"Cool it, Trix," Dan said.
"Is something wrong?" Valerie asked looking from Dan to Trixie then to Honey.
"No," Honey said quickly. "We're just wondering where we'll stay tonight."
"I'm sure we can all stay here just for one night," Valerie said. "I'll ask."
Miss Porter came back, holding some loose photographs in her hand. "I found a lovely photo of Jerome and Mary, your grandparents. And one of your mother as a young girl."
Valerie eagerly took the proferred pictures and studied them.
"My grandmother looks so much like my mother," she marveled.
Honey laughed, peering at the pictures. "Well, more like your mother looked like your grandmother. And you look like both of them."
"Who's this in the picture with my mother?" Valerie asked. "Another relative? He does look familiar."
"No, no," Miss Porter said, a little too fast for Trixie. "Just some friend, I suppose."
"Oh, Aunt Julia," Valerie said. "Would it be all right if we stayed here tonight? I haven't any place to go."
"My dear, of course, you may stay. I only have one extra bedroom, though." Miss Porter looked uncertainly at the Dan, Trixie, and Honey.
"We don't want to impose," Dan said.
Trixie sensed Miss Porter didn't want them to stay, but Valerie turned to her, pleading. "Oh, they've been such good friends to me, Aunt Julia. I'd never have found you without them."
"We'll leave tomorrow," Trixie said. "My father can pick us up. I just have to call and let him know where we are."
"Nobody knows you're here?" Miss Porter asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, they know we're in Allsbury," Trixie told her. "I just meant the exact address."
Miss Porter hesitated and then nodded. "All right. I suppose that will be fine, if one of you takes the couch and another the floor. The other two can have the bed in the spare room."
"I'll be happy on the floor," Dan said. "It's very kind of you to let us stay."
"And I sure don't mind the couch," Trixie said. "Thanks, Miss Porter. Would it be okay if I used your phone?"
"Ah, I don't know," Miss Porter said. She frowned a little.
"We can use a payphone," Honey said. "After all, it is a long distance call, Trixie."
"Oh, right. Sorry. Is there a pay phone nearby?"
"There's one in the lobby, I think," said Miss Porter. "Please, you may use my phone."
"That's all right,"Trixie said. "I need to stretch my legs. Honey, come with me?"
Honey and Trixie headed downstairs in the elevator.
"Trixie, why did you have to ask about photos?"
"What's wrong with that? It made Valerie happy, didn't it?"
"She is happy, Trixie," Honey said. "I'd like to see her stay that way."
"Okay, so I was offbase about Miss Porter," admitted Trixie. "It doesn't matter anyhow. Tomorrow we'll be back in Sleepyside and we'll probably never see Valerie again."
The elevator opened into the lobby. The payphone was right next to the elevator and a drinking fountain in a little alcove.
"Hello?" Mr. Belden answered the phone this time.
"Hi, Dad," Trixie said.
"Trixie! Your mother and I have been worried sick over you kids. Miss Trask and Jim are worried, too."
"I'm so sorry, Dad, but I do have good news. We found Valerie's aunt in Allsbury. We're at her apartment right now. She says we can stay overnight. Can you come and get us tomorrow?"
"I can come and get you now!" Mr. Belden said. "What is the address?"
"Dad, it's too late. Three hours here and back? We'll be fine until tomorrow."
"I don't know. Your mother would rather you were home." There was a pause. "But I guess it is too late now. All right, you may stay until tomorrow. I'll leave early and get there around ten o'clock."
Trixie gave her father the address of the apartment building and then he put her mother on the line.
"Trixie? I don't understand why you do these things!" Mrs. Belden's voice was exasperated, but relieved.
"I really am sorry, Moms," Trixie said for the hundredth time. "Tell everyone that Honey, Dan, and I are all fine. We'll be glad to be home tomorrow."
"Then Dan is returning with you?"
Trixie smiled at Honey as she replied to her mother: "Yes, Moms, Dan is coming home."
She said goodbye to her mother and hung up the phone.
"Are they still mad?" Honey asked.
Trixie sighed. "A little, I guess. But I think they are relieved now that they know we are coming home tomorrow. My dad is going to drive down for us. He says he'll arrive around ten in the morning."
"What about Jim? Did they mention his reaction to what we did?"
"Oh, Honey," Trixie said, ruffling her short hair with both hands. "My dad says Jim is worried, but I just know Jim must be furious at us. At me especially!"
"Don't worry, Trixie. Jim can't stay mad at you for long. I bet he'll just be happy to hear we are fine and by the time we get back to Sleepyside, everything will be okay."
"I hope you're right."
The girls walked back to the elevator and pressed the call button.
An elderly man joined them to wait. He smiled cheerfully at girls.
"Hello," he greeted. "I don't think I've seen you two before."
"No, we're just visiting someone in the building," Honey said politely.
The elevator doors opened and the three of them boarded. Trixie pressed the button for the eleventh floor. The man pressed ten.
"I'm Fred Wallace," the man continued.
"I'm Honey Wheeler and this is Trixie Belden," Honey told him.
"Who are you visiting on eleven?"
Trixie narrowed her eyes at Mr. Wallace. He noticed and started to chuckle. "I may be an old man, but I promise I am not a dirty old man."
Trixie blushed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Wallace."
"Not at all. Can't be too careful these days."
"We're visiting Miss Porter," Honey said.
The doors opened on to the tenth floor and Mr. Wallace started forward. He stopped and turned to look back at them.
"Julia Porter?" he said with surprise. "I thought she was out of town. I guess she canceled her trip. Bye, girls."
The doors closed.
Trixie grabbed Honey's arm. "Did you hear that?"
"What?" Honey seemed unperturbed.
"Honey, he said Miss Porter is out of town!"
The doors opened on eleven and they stepped into the corridor.
"Trixie, he said he thought she was out of town. Obviously, he was mistaken."
"I don't know," Trixie said, frowning.
"Trixie, we've met Miss Porter. She's in her apartment right now. Now, please stop finding everything so mysterious."
Trixie started to say something, but changed her mind. She was silent as they returned to Miss Porter's, but she was thinking Something is wrong here.
Trixie lay on the couch staring up at the ceiling. The clock on the mantle chimed softly. It was midnight and she was wide awake as ever.
She thought about Miss Porter. For dinner that evening, they'd ordered pizza. Miss Porter had hers with pepperoni.
Trixie wouldn't have put this apartment and its contents together with a pepperoni pizza, but she knew that Honey would say it's possible to like pizza and still be rich. But pepperoni?
Everything in Miss Porter's apartment was very refined and elegant. Pepperoni was not elegant. As Trixie though more about it, she realized that Miss Porter didn't seem very elegant either.
She looked over to where Dan snored softly and consistently on the floor. He looked like a little boy with a blanket clasped in one hand and his hair falling into his eyes as he slept.
How can he sleep so soundly? she wondered.
Honey and Valerie were sharing the guest room. Trixie supposed they were also fast asleep. Nobody else was worried about Miss Porter or Valerie's family.
Trixie sat up suddenly. She just remembered something Mart had said on the phone earlier that day.
"Dan," Trixie called out in a low voice.
Snore.
Trixie threw off her blanket and tip-toed over to Dan.
"Dan," she said again, nudging him with her foot.
Dan snorted and rolled over.
"Dan, it's Trixie, I need to talk to you." She leaned over and shook him.
"What?" Dan jerked suddenly and struck Trixie in the face with his elbow.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed.
Dan sat up and blinked at her. "What? Trixie, what's the matter?"
"You just hit me in the face," she hissed, rubbing at the sore spot.
"Huh? What time is it?" Dan felt around for his wristwatch. He stared at the luminous dial. "It's after midnight! What's wrong?"
"I remembered something," Trixie explained. "Mart said that Valerie's aunt and uncle were very upset that we hadn't told them about White Plains."
"So what?"
"So, if they spoke to the others and know about White Plains, then they must know we came to Allsbury with Valerie!"
Dan yawned and lay back down. "I still say so what?"
"Dan, what if they are trying to kill Valerie? They aren't really her aunt and uncle, remember?"
Dan sat up again and frowned. "I guess you have a point. But what can they do to Valerie while she's with Miss Porter?"
Trixie wanted to say that she didn't trust Miss Porter, but she knew Dan would think she was being silly. She had no real grounds for suspecting the woman except for a possible trip, photographs, and a pepperoni pizza.
"It's too late to think about this now, Trixie. We'll talk in the morning." Dan snuggled up with his blanket again. "Goodnight, Trix."
"Goodnight, Dan," Trixie said. "By the way, you snore."
With that remark, she turned on her heel and returned to the couch.
As she tried to fall asleep, she worried about Valerie's stepmother and her cousin Phil. They could be waiting to pounce at any moment.
"I do not," Dan said, breaking the quiet darkness.
"What?"
"I don't snore. I have never snored in my life."
"Whatever you say, Dan."
There was a silence.
"I don't! Do I?"
"Forget I mentioned it, okay?"
"I will! I know I don't snore. Nobody else ever told me that."
Trixie did not respond.
"Maybe....maybe it's the floor," Dan said. He warmed up to this idea. "Yes, it because of the floor. I don't usually snore."
She heard him sigh and settle back down. Soon she also heard his deep, even breathing.
Might as well get some sleep, she told herself. Dan's right. There's nothing to be done tonight.
She closed her eyes and tried to push thoughts of Irma, Phil, Valerie, and Miss Porter out of her mind.
Snore!
She opened her eyes. This wouldn't be easy.
Trixie woke up with a thud.
"Ow," she muttered as she found herself on the floor.
She pulled herself up and sat down on the couch. Dan had stopped snoring, she noticed.
She became aware that someone else was awake in the apartment. A voice was coming from somewhere.
Trixie rose and checked the clock on the mantel. Three-forty.
Trixie moved stealthily through the living room towards the voice. She stopped and tilted her head, listening. It was coming from the kitchen.
At the kitchen door, she stopped once more.
"You better go now." That was Miss Porter's low voice. "You were a fool to come here tonight."
"Don't call me a fool! I'm in charge here, remember." It was a man's voice.
"Look, the others will be gone in the morning. Be patient."
"You could have told me that before! And what's with the phone? I tried to call...."
"I turned the ringer off so I wouldn't accidently pick up. Phone records."
"I suppose." The man sounded skeptical.
"Now, get out of here before one of them wakes up," Miss Porter said.
Trixie evaluated her situation quickly. She'd never make it back to the couch before the man came out the kitchen door. There was only one option. She turned and ran into the door on her right. She locked the door behind her and prayed they wouldn't notice she wasn't on the couch.
What seemed like ages passed and then Trixie heard Miss Porter's voice again.
"Trixie?" she was calling in a loud whisper. "Where are you?"
Trixie flipped the light switch on and blinked at the sudden bright light.
The doorknob started to rattle. Someone tapped on the door.
"Trixie?"
Trixie flushed the toilet.
"One moment," she said to Miss Porter.
She turned on the water faucet for a few moments and then turned it back off. Then she opened the door.
"Hello, Miss Porter," Trixie said with a smile. "I hope I didn't wake you."
Miss Porter studied Trixie carefully. She shook her head. "No, dear, I was getting myself some water in the kitchen. Are you feeling well?"
"Oh yes, I just had to go," Trixie said sheepishly. "I have a small bladder and can't seem to make it through the night."
"I see," Miss Porter said thoughtfully. "Well, goodnight, Trixie."
"Goodnight."
Trixie padded back to the couch.
"Trixie." It was Dan.
"Jeepers, Dan, how long have you been awake?"
"Shh." Dan came over to the couch. "I was awake before you made your sommersault off the couch. I heard him arrive."
"I never heard a knock," Trixie whispered.
"He had a key, Trix. Just let himself in. You are lucky he and Miss Porter didn't see you. Miss Porter noticed you weren't on the couch, though, after that guy left."
"What did the man look like?" asked Trixie excitedly.
"I only saw him through half-opened eyes. He looked middle-aged, I guess."
"You see, Dan! There is something mysterious going on here."
"I don't know. It is peculiar that someone would come by in the middle of the night, but it doesn't necessarily mean there's something sinister behind it."
"Well, Miss Porter and that man had a strange conversation," Trixie said. She filled Dan in on the few snippets she'd overheard.
Now, Dan looked worried. "I don't like that comment about when the others leave. I presume you, Honey, and I are the others."
"They want to get Valerie alone," Trixie said with sudden realization. "But why?"
"I don't know. Maybe we're over-reacting or misreading the whole situation."
"Yeah, well why don't they want records of phone calls?"
"Trix," Dan sounded exhausted. "I have no idea. I know we can't do anything until morning. That guy isn't coming back now, so I'm going to try and get a little more sleep."
"I don't see how you can sleep after all this!"
"It's four in the morning, Trixie. It's been a long couple of days and I'm tired." Dan went back to his makeshift bed. "Goodnight again, Trixie. This time, let's try and make it stick."
He acts as if it's my fault he woke up again, thought Trixie indignantly.Oh well, there really isn't anything we can do now. But tomorrow.....
Somehow she managed to drift off to sleep.