*All ages
Note: My ages may be a little off, but I never know how old they are. I’m just making the girls freshmen, Mart sophomore, Dan junior, and Jim and Brian seniors.
Dangerous Assumptions
By Erin
Chapter 1
“Who’s that?” fourteen-year-old Trixie Belden asked her friend Honey Wheeler as she craned her neck to see out the bus window.
“I don’t know,” Honey giggled, “but I wouldn’t mind you moving your head out of my way. I feel like I’m being attacked by blonde curls.” With that comment Trixie sat upright, but not without a few shakes in Honey’s face first. The good-natured Honey just laughed again. “Maybe that guy you’re checking out is new,” Honey said with a playful gleam in her eye. “You can ask him to the dance.”
“I was not ‘checking him out’,” Trixie said, blushing furiously. “Besides, your older brother already promised to escort me. I just want to know who that guy is.” Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t like the look of him myself.”
“Oh, Trixie!” Honey cried, “Don’t start with your ‘suspicious-looking’ characters. Remember when Dan came? You didn’t like the look of him either, and look how nice he turned out to be. As a matter of fact,” Honey said, glancing out the window, “Dan is talking to your mystery man right now. You can ask him all about him when Dan gets on the bus.”
“I guess I’ll have to curb my detective instinct for now and just wait to hear what Dan has to say,” Trixie said grinning. “And you’re right about me always making quick judgements about people. Especially with Dan.” Dan, who now worked for Honey’s father, had once seemed to be a ‘thug’ and Trixie, in particular, did not like him. After he saved her little brother Bobby, however, Trixie changed her tune. Trixie and her friends soon asked Dan to join their club, The Bob-Whites of the Glen. Trixie and Honey’s adopted brother Jim Frayne were the co-presidents. The other members were Honey Wheeler, Brian and Mart Belden (Trixie’s older brothers), and Diana Lynch.
“Here comes Dan now,” Honey said. “You won’t have to suffer much longer!”
Trixie grinned at her friend. “It’s been far too long already, Honey dear,” Trixie said dramatically, placing the back of her hand on her forehead. “I don’t think I shall make it.”
Honey laughed and Dan just gave Trixie a ‘what-crazy-thing-are-you-up-to-now’ look. “Hey Dan, who was that guy anyway,” Trixie said, turning towards him. “I don’t recognize him.”
“Oh, he’s just some guy I know,” Dan said vaguely, looking very uncomfortable all the sudden. “He’s a junior.”
Trixie just stared at him. “That doesn’t really clear up anything for me, buddy,” Trixie said rather harshly. “Why don’t you--OWW!” Trixie turned towards Honey, rubbing her leg. “What did you kick me for?” Trixie asked angrily.
“Maybe Dan doesn’t want everybody to know his business,” Honey whispered, gesturing to all the kids on the bus. “Ask him later, when there are less people around.”
“Right you are yet again, Honey,” Trixie said. “I wish I had just one tenth of your tact.” She smiled devilishly, “But I don’t forgive you for kicking me. You’ll just have to find some way to make it up to me. Like, oh, I don’t know, inviting me over for some of that super apple pie you made.”
“Oh Trixie, anything for you,” Honey smiled. “Your wish is my command!”
Chapter 2
“I’m getting worried about Dan, you guys,” Trixie said at lunch two week later.
“What’s this, Trix? You’re worried about Dan? What about the poor fellow who woke up early and fed the chickens and washed down the barn? And, on top of all things had to get one very bad-tempered little demon ready for school because one nameless sister overslept?”
“Why are you worried about Dan, Trix?” Jim asked, ignoring Mart’s comment. He saw Trixie’s blue eyes filled with concern. “Is he in trouble?”
“Well, that’s just it, Jim. I don’t know. I mean, he’s been avoiding us all week. Ever since that new kid came.”
“The ‘new kid’ is named Chris, Trix,” Mart said. “He’s in my advanced English class.”
“What’s he like, Mart?” Diana asked.
“Oh, he’s alright, I guess. Kind of a punk, you know? I mean, he always talks about needing a smoke, and about all the trouble he used to get in in his old school. Fighting, that sort of thing. Actually, I’m sort of surprised Dan hangs out with him, considering his past and all. But who knows?” Mart shrugged. “He’s really smart, I can tell you that much. He makes A’s on all the tests, and I scratch and pull to earn my C’s.”
“Oh, I don’t believe that Mart,” Diana said, looking up at him admiringly. “You’re so smart.”
“You really are,” Trixie said, surprising everyone at the table. It wasn’t often the siblings complimented each other.
“Back to Dan,” Honey said, “Trixie’s right. Not only does he not eat lunch with us, he hasn’t come to any club meetings in two weeks, and he told me he can’t come next week either. I know he’s not working for Mr. Maypenny because I came to the market with Cook yesterday and he was talking with Chris and a group of other teenage boys outside of the movie theater. I didn’t recognize any of them. They looked rather. . . unsavory.”
“Ooooo,” Trixie said, leaning over with a familiar eagerness in her eyes. “Who do you think they were?”
“Oh no,” Mart groaned. “Trixie smells a mystery. Sometimes I think she’s better at chasing after a mystery than Reddy is at chasing after a rabbit.” Reddy was the Beldens' Irish setter.
“Listen, all of you,” Brian said. The oldest Bob-White, the others always listened to Brian and took what he had to say seriously. “We’re Dan’s friends. If he’s in trouble, then he’ll ask us for help. Otherwise, we have no reason to go prying into his life. Just because he’s a Bob-White doesn’t mean he can’t have other friends. Let’s just see what happens, okay?” he asked, looking directly at Trixie.
“You’re right, Brian,” Trixie admitted reluctantly. “Alright, message received, I won’t bother him.” The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.
As they gathered their books Trixie shook her head. “I just don’t like it,” she said under her breath.
Chapter 3
“So what are you going to wear to the dance tonight, Trixie?” Honey asked her friend after school.
“Ahh gogta anew drawwss,” Trixie answered, struggling to speak with a piece of pie in her mouth.
Honey laughed. “Oh please, Trixie, swallow. You’re hard enough to understand sometimes anyway.”
Trixie gulped.“I said I got a new dress,” Trixie answered haughtily.
“I’m sure you’ll look stunning, darling,” Honey said playfully. “Jim will be blown away.” Embarrassed, Trixie turned away from her friend and looked out her window onto the grounds of her estate.
“The dance is going to be fun, Honey, but I’m still worried about Dan,” Trixie said, thinking about her friend. “I just don’t want him to be led down the wrong path again. I asked some other people at school about this Chris guy and they all said he wasn’t exactly model citizen material. The more I learn about him the more worried I get.”
Honey sat down on the bed next to her friend. “Oh Trix, I’m concerned about Dan, too, but your brother was right. We can’t force him to confide in us. We just have to trust him to do the right thing.”
“But, who knows, Honey? Maybe Chris knows things Dan did in his gang before he came here. Things he could still be held accountable for. Chris could be blackmailing him. We have to find some way to get him to talk to us.”
Honey bit her lip. She was just as worried as Trixie was, but they had promised Brian they wouldn’t interfere. “Listen, Trixie,lLet’s just forget about Dan tonight. Tomorrow we can ride out to Maypenny’s and try to talk to Dan. Alright?”
Trixie heard the plea in her friend's voice. She turned to her and gave her a hug. “Alright, Honey. Good plan. And we will have fun tonight. The Beldens will be expecting you and Jim to pick us up at eight. Di will meet us, too.”
“Thank you, Trixie,” Honey smiled. “We’ll see you then.” And as she turned to examine the dresses in her closet she heard Trixie say something under her breath. “What did you say. . . Trixie?” she asked, turning around, but her friend was gone. Honey sat on her bed. She couldn’t be sure, but she was fairly certain that Trixie had said something about Dan. And the dance. And confronting him. Honey shook her head. Oh well, she thought, I can’t worry about that now. And she turned back to her closet.
Chapter 4
“You really look nice tonight, Trixie,” Jim whispered as they walked towards the school gym where the dance was being held. He slipped his hand lightly around her waist. “Fantastic, I mean it.”
Trixie blushed slightly because she could tell Jim did mean it. Her new dress was dark green and hugged her young curves. She looked towards her friends Honey, in a white sleeveless dress, and Diana, in a pink empire waist dress, and noticed how pretty and happy they looked with Brian and Mart. Brian was whispering in Honey’s ear and Mart was grinning goofily at Diana. Trixie turned back towards Jim and smiled.
“This is going to be so much fun, Jim, thank you for asking me.”
“There’s only one girl I’d ask and I’m just happy she accepted,” Jim said, leaning very close to her ear. He kissed it lightly and then leaned back again.
The gym was decorated in blue and white, with candles all around the walls.
“Oh Jim,” Trixie sighed. “It’s gorgeous.”
“So are you,” he said, and held out his hand. Together they danced off.
An hour later the Bob-Whites, minus Dan, stood talking next to the refreshment table. Trixie strained to look around the gym. “Has anybody seen Dan tonight?” she asked, trying to sound innocent. Brian caught her eye and shook his head at her.
“No, Trixie, I haven’t. And I thought we agreed not to worry about him,” Brian said sternly.
“Actually, we agreed not to pry in his affairs. We’re free to worry if we so choose,” Mart said mildly. “But no need. He’s over there with Chris and some other guys.”
Trixie followed Mart’s eyes and saw Dan in the middle of a group of boys, laughing and nodding. “See there, Trix,” Honey said reassuringly, “he looks like he’s okay.”
“A little too ‘okay’ if you ask me,” Trixie said, her eyes narrowing.
“Oh no,” Mart said, rolling his eyes. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Look,” Trixie said, trying to point discreetly. The Bob-Whites followed her direction and saw Chris with a small flask in his hand. He raised it to his mouth and took a large gulp of whatever was inside. Then he passed the flask to Dan, who followed suit.
“Oh,” Honey gasped. “Brian, he’s drinking!”
Brian just watched. “Now, we all have to calm down. After all, we don’t know what’s in that flask.”
“Maybe not,” Trixie said, racing over towards Dan. “But there’s only one way to find out!” Jim, Mart and Diana followed Trixie. After a moment, so did Honey, clutching Brian’s hand.
Trixie stood for a second off to the side of the group of boys, deciding what to say. “Jim,” she whispered, “how do I get Dan to agree to talk to me?”
“Trix, we are his friends. Just approach him normally.”
Trixie took a deep breath. She silently situated herself behind Dan. “Dan,” she said, lightly tapping him on the shoulder, “when were you going to ask me to dance?”
“Trixie!” Dan cried, clearly shocked. “What are you talking about?”
“Hey, pretty lady!” Chris slurred. “This your girl, Dan, cause if not, I’ll be glad to take her for a dance, if you know what I mean.” He laughed, leering at her.
“No, no, Chris,” Dan said anxiously. “Listen, I’ll be right back, after this dance.” He put his hand on Trixe’s waist and steered her away towards the opposite wall. “So, what was that about?” Dan asked as they began to dance. Trixie could smell alcohol.
“Oh, Dan,” Trixie said. “I’m just worried about you. You’ve been avoiding us for weeks. Are you in trouble?” Dan dropped his hand from around her and stepped back. The other Bob-Whites soon joined them.
“I’m sorry, Trixie, I am,” Dan said. “I wish I could say more, but that’s all I can say.” He had a pleading look in his eyes. “Please try to understand.”
“So you were drinking?” Brian asked. Dan just nodded. “Well, Dan, I’m sorry too. Sorry that you could do something so irresponsible and dangerous. I could forgive you for hanging out with those characters, and for skipping club meetings, but not for this. Not for underage drinking at a school function. I think it’s best that we suspend you from the Bob-Whites.”
There was a hurt look in Dan’s eyes. “You all agree to that?” he asked. The members were silent. “Well, that’s just fine guys, thanks. Some friends you turned out to be.” He turned to walk away.
“Dan,” Jim said and Dan turned around. “We are your friends. That’s why we want to help you. Just tell us what’s going on.”
“Do you trust me?” Dan asked the group.
“Of course we do, Dan,” Honey answered, “ we’re just concerned--”
“If you trust me,” Dan interrupted, “then trust me that you don’t have to worry about me. If you don’t trust me, then we have nothing left to talk about. So how’s it going to be? Do you trust me?”
The Bob-Whites looked at their feet. “Trixie?” Dan asked. She looked up. For a minute they just looked at each other. Then Trixie looked away.
“Great,” Dan said, obviously hurt. “So long, guys.” And he turned around and walked back towards his friends.
“Dan, wait,” Trixie called after him, but Jim put his hands on her shoulders, silencing her. She turned and saw the sullen faces around her. She looked up and Jim, his face contorted with anger and guilt. Unable to hold it back any longer, Trixie began to cry.
Chapter 5
“Do you still think this is a good idea, Trix?” Honey asked nervously as she saddled Lady. “Dan’s not going to be glad to see us, you know.”
“Yeah, Honey, you’re right,” Trixie said, “but we can’t leave things like they were at the dance on Friday night. Now we’ve all had a day to cool off, and we need to talk no matter what. Dan’s still our friend.”
“So that’s it,” and the girls jumped at the third voice. Mart walked around the corner into the stable. “I wondered why my darling little sister got up so early, especially after a Saturday of Bobby-sitting.”
“You can’t stop us,” Trixie said angrily, but Mart held up his hand.
“I have no intention of halting you in your efforts, squaws. In fact, I am prepared to offer my exemplary assistance.”
Trixie and Honey looked at one another. “Well, Strawberry could stand some exercise,” Honey said.
Trixie turned to Mart. “Well, alright, you can come too. But we don’t know if this is going to do any good.”
“It’s always good to try and help a friend in trouble,” Mart answered, and got busy saddling Strawberry.
The trio was halfway to Maypenny’s when they heard voices up ahead. Suspicious, Trixie turned around and whispered to Honey and Mart, “You stay here with Susie, and I’ll see what this is about.” Silently, she made her way through the brush. She could see some figures in a clearing ahead. Hiding behind some bushes, she listened to their conversation.
“. . . so when he gets back tonight we’ll have some new merchandise,” Chris was saying. “Pot for sure, maybe some acid. If we can introduce heroin, then we’ll really start raking in the dough.” He laughed. “How about it Danny? Want to try some White China?”
“Hey man,” Dan answered, “I’m in it to make money, not lose any.” Trixie put her hand to her mouth. Drugs! Dan was selling drugs! “So I’ll meet you there tonight, man. Make sure nobody follows you.”
“Hey kid, I ain’t new to his,” Chris said. He flashed something silver so Dan could see it. “You oughta get yourself one. Protection, you know?”
“Yeah, man,” Dan said. “I’ll think about it. See you tonight.” Trixie held her breath praying that neither would walk towards her, but they walked away together in the opposite direction. Relieved, she scrambled back to Honey and Mart.
“Hey, what’s the big idea, Trix?” Mart asked. “I was about to come after you.”
“We need to call an emergency meeting, right away,” Trixie answered.
Alarmed at the serious look on her face, Mart asked, “What’s wrong? Is it Dan?”
Trixie nodded. “Things have just gone from bad to worse,” she announced.
Chapter 6
Two hours later the Bob-Whites were at the clubhouse, listening to Trixie chronicle what had happened in the preserve. “. . so then he said he’d see him tonight and they walked away,” she finished. All the faces around her were grave.
“Well, this is really serious, Trixie,” Brian spoke first. “Nothing we need to get involved in. We need to call the police.”
“The police! Oh Brian, they won’t care unless we can provide them with some real information. We don’t even know where this is going to take place.”
“So what do you suggest?” Mart asked sarcastically. “We trail Dan tonight? Stage our own Scooby-Doo show? I can see it now, in all the papers, ‘Drug Deal Busted Up by Meddling Kids.’ ”
“This is no time to joke around,” Honey said, with tears in her eyes. “Dan’s in real trouble, and we have to find out a way to help him.”
“Right, Honey,” Trixie said, “so tonight we’ll wait for Dan outside Maypenny’s and then we’ll follow him--”
“Oh no,” Jim interrupted. “Sorry, Trix, but I have to put my foot down. Brian’s right. This is way too serious. You’re the one who saw Chris’ gun. Mart’s right about one thing, this isn’t kid stuff. I’m going to call the police right now.” And he stood up. “Anyone care to come with me?” he asked.
“I will,” Brian answered. “We’ll be right back.” And with that Brian and Jim started up towards the Manor House. Di moved over next to Honey, who had begun to cry, to comfort her. Trixie was upset too.
Mart leaned over to her.“I know, Trix, I don’t like it either, but this is how it has to be,” he whispered. She just nodded. A few minutes later Jim and Brian returned.
“They said that they would look into it,” Brian said.
“Oh, I told you they didn’t care,” Trixie said angrily. “We need something concrete.”
“Trixie ‘we’ don’t need anything. It’s in the hands of the police now,” Jim said, his green eyes looking at her very sternly. And for the second time that week, Trixie felt tears in her eyes.
Chapter 7
The Bob-Whites were unusually silent on the bus the next morning. Dan was nowhere to be seen. When the bus reached the school, people were buzzing with excitement. A girl in Trixie’s class ran up to her and Honey. “Did you hear?” she asked, her eyes wide.
“Hear what?” Trixie asked, bewildered.
“Some guys from school were arrested near Hawthorne Street last night. Nobody knows why, but they think it’s gang related. Fighting or drugs or something.” Trixie felt her knees go weak and saw Honey’s face completely white.
“Do you know who the boys were?” Mart asked from behind Trixie.
“No, not yet,” she answered. “Nobody does. But we’ll find out by tomorrow.” The bell rang. As the other students filed into school, the Bob-Whites stood still as stone statues.
“Trixie,” Honey said tearfully. Trixie squeezed her hand.
Brian took control. “It’s going to be a while before we know anything for sure, so let’s get to class," he said abruptly.
Trixie knew he was right. With a sympathetic look towards all the Bob-Whites, she took Diana’s hand, and together the three of them walked towards their class.
The Bob-Whites filed off the bus at Crabapple Farm that afternoon. Much of the day had just been speculation about the arrests last night and none of them could concentrate very well on their school work. They sat in the Belden kitchen eating cookies, despite the fact that no one was particularly hungry.
“Reagan would know,” Mart broke the silence. “Maybe we should call him.”
The Bob-Whites looked at each other. Jim shrugged, and picked up the phone. After dialing some numbers, everyone held their breath and waited. In what seemed like an eternity, Jim hung up.“Answering machine.”
They digested this information in silence.
Finally after ten minutes, Trixie stood up. “Well, this certainly isn’t doing any good. We need to do something to keep busy. I promised Moms I’d cook tonight since she took Bobby to the dentist. Di, Honey, you help me. Mart, I’m sure the chickens need to be tended to. Brian, the front lawn could use a mowing. And Jim, Moms would be eternally grateful if you gave our vegetable garden a weeding.” Trixie knew she was being bossy, but she also knew everyone needed to keep occupied.
Mart was the first one up. “You’re absolutely right, Trix,” he said, and left for the chicken coop. The others also obeyed her.
Before leaving, Jim looked at her admiringly. “Good girl,” he whispered, so no one else could hear.
She blushed.
Two hours later, the girls sat exhausted in the den. Mrs. Belden had called to say she was taking Bobby shopping for some new clothes and wouldn’t be home until after Mr. Belden returned. “Why you like to cook, Honey, I’ll never know,” Trixie said, groaning. “It took me thirty minutes to just find all the ingredients for that biscuit recipe. We should have just ordered a pizza.” Honey, too tired to laugh, just smiled. The girls heard a car pull into the garage. “Dad’s home,” Trixie said, pulling herself off the couch. A moment later Mr. Belden entered the room.
“Well, hello girls,” he said pleasantly, inspecting them. “You look beat. I’ll help you get dinner in the table.” Walking into the kitchen, he said over his shoulder, “You must be really proud of Dan.” The three girls stared at one another.
“What did you say, Daddy?” Trixie asked, suddenly energized.
He looked at her, surprised. “Dan,” he said again. “Haven’t you seen the afternoon newspaper?"
“Oh no, we haven’t, where is it, please Mr. Belden,” Di said. At that moment, the three boys walked in, clearly tired.
“It’s in the car, Diana, I’ll get it right now,” Mr. Belden said, noticing how anxious the girls seemed.
“What’s in the car?” Mart asked after Mr. Belden had left the room.
“Oh Mart!” Trixie cried, her eyes dancing with excitement. “The paper. Something about Dan! Something good! Dad said we should be proud.”
Mr. Belden returned at that moment. “Yes, you should be proud,” he said, handing the paper to Trixie as the Bob-Whites gathered around. There was a huge picture of Dan shaking hands with a man while Sgt. Molison watched in the background.
“Dan Mangan, a student at local Sleepyside High School, is being awarded a medal of merit by John Kalhoun, Chief of Police in New York City, for his assistance in the largest drug bust in Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson history. Also present is Sleepyside’s Sgt. Molison.’’ Trixie read under the picture. “Oh you guys, Dan wasn’t in trouble. He was helping the police. That’s why he couldn’t tell us. And we didn’t trust him,” she finished sadly. Honey gave her a little hug.
“He has every right to mad at us,” Mart said. “We should have known better.”
“What are you talking about?” Mr. Belden asked, confused by the conversation. “I know, you can tell me over dinner,” he said. “I’m starving.”
So Trixie told her father about Dan’s behavior, and their confrontation with him. “Well kids,” Mr. Belden said, “I’m sure it did hurt Dan’s feeling to have you not trust him. But things did seem to point in the wrong direction. If you apologize, I’m sure he’ll understand. Or at least try to. That’s all you can hope for."
Trixie kissed her father on the cheek, “You’re right, Daddy,” she said. “I think after we finish the dishes we should all ride out to Mr. Maypenny’s and apologize to Dan.”
“Well Trixie,” her father answered, “since this is so important to you all, I’m sure your mother and I can handle the dishes just this once.” Trixie looked towards her mother, who nodded.
“Gleeps, you and Moms are just super!” Trixie cried, and ran with the other Bob-Whites towards the stables.
Chapter 8
Reagan came out to meet the happy bunch as they trooped into the stable. “Have you guys heard about Danny?” he asked.
“Yes, we have,” Honey said warmly, hearing the pride in Reagan’s voice. “In fact, we’re headed out to Maypenny’s right now to congratulate Dan in person.”
“I just got back from there,” Reagan said. “Dan’s very happy. His eyes are just shining. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see his friends.”
Trixie gulped guiltily and turned away. “Well, we’ll get going before it gets too dark,” she said hastily.
They reached Maypenny’s a short while later, having to ride slower because Diana had to ride behind Jim on Jupiter. They saw light pouring through the windows and heard Dan laughing. “Well, here goes nothing,” Trixie said to no one in particular and knocked on the door.
Mr. Maypenny’s face lit up as he saw the Bob-Whites. “Well, well, I guess you kids heard. Won’t you come in and join our little celebration?” As they entered the room, Dan stood up. For a moment, they just looked at one another.
Finally Trixie broke the ice. “Dan, there’s really only one thing for us to say. We’re so sorry. We shouldn’t have made such a stupid assumption. We should have trusted you. So basically,” she said, glancing at the other Bob-Whites, “what we want to know is, will you please forgive us?”
For a moment Dan said nothing. Then he smiled. “You guys are my best friends. Of course, I forgive you.” The group let out a huge sigh of relief. “I know it looked pretty bad to you guys, and I wasn’t allowed to explain it to you. I understand how easy it would be to get the wrong impression."
“I’m sorry, Dan,” Brian said. “We should have known.”
“And Brian, I want you to know,” Dan said, “ I was not drinking. I just held it to my lips. Pretend, you know? I wouldn’t drink, no matter what. I’m not that stupid.”
“We were the stupid ones, Dan,” Di said. “But I’m glad we’re all friends again."
“Yeah, me too,” Dan agreed. “And Chief Kalhoun told me he’d have a place for me on the force when I got a little older,” he said, smiling self-consciously. Suddenly feeling impulsive with all the joy she felt, Trixie ran over to Dan and hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.
“Oh Dan, I love you, you’re so understanding and such a great friend,” and this time her tears were tears of joy.
Startled, Dan froze for a second, and then returned the hug bestowed upon him. With friends like this, he reflected, life didn’t get much better.
The End