"Well, I guess it’s a start." Dan said, as he leaned back in the passenger’s seat of Jim’s Jeep. They were headed to Sleepyside to pick up a few things Mrs. Wheeler had ordered for the party and Jim was telling him what had happened the previous night between him and Trixie.

"Yeah... Let’s hope it just isn’t too late a start." Jim said.

His friend patted him on the shoulder, reassuringly. "Take it easy, Jim. You can’t do in two days all that should have happened in nine years."

"Thanks a lot!" Jim exclaimed. "You don’t have to remind me I was a fool!"

"No, you weren’t! You did what you thought was right. Trixie made her own choices! She could have made a move herself. But let the past lay. Concentrate on what you can do now."

"Sure! Pray... Pray that she isn’t tired of my hesitations."

It didn’t take them long to get to Sleepyside. Once there, they headed to the mall to pick up what Mrs. Wheeler had ordered in several of the stores. The party wouldn’t be for another 3 days, but Jim’s mother wanted to play it safe. They had just finished packing it all in the car trunk, when Dan stopped in the middle of a sentence and stared at some point across the street. Surprised at his friend sudden silence, Jim looked up at him and followed his gaze. Some people were passing by, but nothing special was happening. At least, not that Jim could notice.

"Jim, come on." Dan said, starting to cross the street.

Dazed, Jim followed him. He had to run to catch his friend’s long and quick strides. "What’s happening, Dan?" he asked as soon as he caught up with him. "Where are we going?"

"I don’t know... We’re going after that guy!" he answered, pointing at a man walking a few yards away from him.

"And why are we doing that?"

"Listen, Jim, trust me on this one. This guy is up to no good!"

"Well, if you say so... But as far as I’m concerned it’s no crime to walk down the street. Ok, I grant you... He doesn’t look that good, but that’s no crime either!" Jim joked.

Dan couldn’t help a smile. "I know this guy, Jim. From New York. He’s regularly in and out of the court rooms... He’s bad news! I saw him here the day I came back and wondered what he was doing here. It’s as good time as any to find out."

"What do we do if he notices us following him?" Jim asked, frowning.

"We run!"

Jim didn’t say another word. He could sense Dan was really worried. So he just shut up and followed him. It didn’t take long for Jim to share the same kind of concern that was bothering Dan. The route they had been taking had brought them to the further most part of Sleepyside, an area that had been for a long time considered dangerous and which awakened certain memories in Jim’s mind: Hawthorne Street. Many years before Trixie had followed a man impersonating Di’s uncle into that street and gotten into trouble... as usual. But, also as usual she gotten herself out of it.

Hawthorne Street was a haven for criminals. It was the kind of place where everyone was mute, deaf and blind... when it suited them. Old, decadent buildings sided the street and even the sunlight seemed to be dimmer. People looked sideways at each other, always suspicious of something. Jim remembered Trixie saying that once there the attitude seemed to stick on you and you found yourself dragging your feet through the dusty, dirty sidewalks, as everyone else did.

Dan and Jim exchanged glances and buried their hands in their pockets, as they both glued their eyes on the ground. Now that transients were fewer than downtown, Jim could take a good look at the object of their pursuit. He seemed young, maybe just a little older than himself. He was dressed in jeans and t-shirt but Jim could tell they weren’t of the cheaper kind of brands. His tennis shoes were also last model. But there was something in the way he moved, in the way he looked at people that made him look dangerous. Suddenly, he stopped and looked back, staring straight at Jim and Dan. Jim gulped but didn’t stop. Dan seemed to have the same idea, so they both went on, passing by the man. There was a corner a few yards away and they stopped after turning it.

Dan let out his breath and whipped his brow. "Jesus, I thought that was it!"

"So did I!" Jim said carefully looking around the corner. The man had apparently dismissed the thought of being followed and had crossed the street. Jim looked back in time to see him walking through the front door of old shabby building that, if he was to believe in the sigh above the door, was a hotel.

"Well, at least we know where he’s staying," Jim said, as they walked back towards safer ground. "But you never got to tell me this guy’s name."

"Oh, yeah. David. David Halston," Dan said, never noticing how white Jim’s face suddenly turned.

*    *    *     *

"Hey, Trixie, wake up!" Di called, waving her hands in front of Trixie’s face. She seemed to startle and finally noticed her friends. "Sorry... I was miles away!" she excused herself.

"Yeah, we know. You haven’t heard a word we said since we left Manor House." Di complained.

Trixie, Diana and Honey had come to Sleepyside to shop for party clothes. But Trixie wasn’t feeling very cheerful. She was still going through the previous night in her mind, trying to make some sense out of everything that had been said between herself and Jim. And wondering if there was anything more she could have said.

Jim’s job offering had made her feel less concerned about her near future and even excited with the prospect. Maybe he was right and this was the beginning of a new series of adventures. And if all the kids were like Annie, it would be. My God, she thought, what am I doing? Wishing for the kids to have messy lives? She shook her head but she still felt the familiar feeling of anticipation. But what was really bothering her was that since then her mind had busy trying to remember every word pronounced by Jim and find their every possible meaning. She was feeling 14 again. And 15 and 16 and 17... Trixie sighed. She was tired of feeling like that. For once she would like to know for sure. But every time she thought she would, something happened and there they went again. Throwing hints at each other and hoping the other would understand. Maybe there was something you could have done instead of waiting for him to do it!, said a little annoying voice inside her head. She gulped and tried to dismiss that inner voice by thinking of something else.

Annie. That was a pressing subject for sure. Her mind had been so full lately that she was starting to think she was neglecting the girl. But what else could she do? There were no evident clues as to whom was chasing her... Or even if there really was someone after her. Not that she doubted Bobby... But the destruction he had mentioned inside the tree house could have been brought about by his own fight with Annie, when he’d found her. In the heat of the moment he might not have noticed the state of the place.

She smiled, as she thought on how much her baby brother had grown. He was getting pretty good at mystery solving. Right now he was probably with Annie, keeping her companied for a while. Trixie was worried about the girl and was wondering how long she could keep her presence a secret. She trembled at the thought that one of the other BWG’s deciding to visit the club house. What then? What would she and Jim say to excuse themselves from not letting them know? And with a mind so full as this, how on Earth could she keep up with the other two chattering?

"Is there anything wrong?" Honey asked, from behind the wheel, looking at her best friend through the rear view mirror.

Trixie shook her head, saying "No, nothing", but she felt really bad for lying to her friend. And the worse thing was that Honey realized she was lying: her eyes kept searching for her own through the rear view mirror. Once they got to Sleepyside, and as Di answered a call on her cell phone, Honey took the opportunity to talk to Trixie. "What’s wrong, Trix? You can’t fool me, you know."

"I’m not trying to, Honey. I guess I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." Trixie said, smiling and trying to dismiss her friend’s concern.

"Are you still angry about...?"

"Honey, no!" Trixie didn’t let her go on. "It’s got nothing to do with your decision. Not directly, at least. If you really want to know... Well, it’s that lovely brother of yours. He’s driving me crazy." It’s not completely untrue, Trixie thought. And she did need to talk to someone about it.

Honey’s pretty features were then lighted by a smile. "Oh, is he?"

"Don’t joke, Honey. Last night I thought... But then... Oh!" she groaned. Taking a deep breath, Trixie told Honey all that had happened between herself and Jim, forgetting that Honey still hadn’t heard about her decision of giving up the agency. After she was done, Trixie noticed how pale Honey had grown and suddenly it hit her. "So that was the decision you were talking about?" Honey said, feeling her voice caught in her throat.

"Yeah... I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, but I only decided on what to do last night." Trixie excused herself. "But, hey, we all have to make choices..."

"Sure. But sometimes we are forced to make those choices because other people chose a different path..."

"Honey!" Trixie put an arm around Honey’s shoulders, sensing how sad her friend was. "It’s ok. It would have happened eventually! It was best this way. Besides I already have had a job offering!"

Honey’s sullen face cheered up. "Yes! And you’ll be great at it!"

"I hope so! I may have a chance to prove it right now!" As soon as the words left her lips, Trixie closed her eyes and prayed that Honey hadn’t heard it. But she had.

"What do you mean?" the girl asked frowning.

"Oh, nothing..." Trixie said, trying to sound carefree. "Hey, look, here comes Di!" She grabbed Honey’s hand and practically dragged her towards Diana, who had finished her call. But she knew that her friend knew she was hiding her something. And felt really bad for hurting her. But what else could she do? She had given her word!

As they crossed the square, they saw a familiar figure climbing down the few steps that led to the police station. The man stopped and a mocking smile lighted his features. Trixie felt life smiling at her again. Just the person she wanted to see! And she had been wondering how to do that without raising the suspicions of her two friends. If there was someone who could help her as far as Annie was concerned, that was Captain Molinson.

Captain Molinson was an old friend of the BWG’s. He usually said that they had made his work twice as hard, because he was always expecting them to pop out of the most unexpected places, when he was on a case. Specially Trixie. What he generally wouldn’t admit was that their involvement in those cases usually brought about a speedy conclusion. And that his promotion to Captain had come as a result not only of his own competence, but also of their interference. Nevertheless, the BWG’s considered him a friend. However, it had been a while since their paths crossed, so both parties were happy to meet.

"Well, well... If it isn’t Miss Shamus Belden and friends!" he exclaimed as he walked towards them. "You haven’t burst into my office in a while. I hope I haven’t just lost the opportunity of listening to one of your crazy stories by leaving it..."

"Oh no, Captain..." Trixie answered. "We were just passing through."

"Oh." Captain Molinson looked almost disappointed. Trixie guessed Sleepyside was kind of slow lately. But a few seconds later his face lit up as he seemed to remember something. "Well, I guess this time I’m the one with a case for you... Sort of." Reaching into his pocket, Molinson took out a photo. "This girl has been missing for about four years. Her family somehow tracked her down to Sleepyside. Her uncle is in town and he asked us for help. If you see her, please tell me. The poor man came from Ireland in search of his niece. The picture apparently his about four years old, but he hopes it’ll do."

As Trixie looked at the photograph, she realized it did. The girl hadn’t changed that much: although some years had gone by since it had been taken, it was plain for her to see she was looking at Annie’s picture.

*    *    *     *

Trixie’s spirits were brighter after that random meeting with Captain Molinson. Things were looking better for Annie. She did have relatives that worried about her! She couldn’t wait to tell the girl the news. If only they would find out who was chasing her!

Honey, on the other hand, wasn’t feeling that happy. Trixie was smiling, that was true enough, but Honey couldn’t really tell why. Something had happened after their conversation that had made her very happy... But what? She didn’t recall anything remarkable about their talk with Molinson. "I see your depression has flown away." Honey stated, hoping for an explanation.

"Oh, we can’t be gloomy all day, can we?" Trixie said, without any further information.

"Yeah, I guess." It was Honey’s turn to feel down. She was certain Trixie was hiding something from her... As certain as of her name being Madeleine.

"C’me on, you guys!" Diana called. "The boys must already be at Wimpy’s!"

"Don’t worry," Trixie said with a giggle "Mart won’t miss you that much, being surrounded with food!"

Di pretended to be offended. "That is not a nice thing to say, Beatrix Belden!"

Trixie merely laughed and Diana soon did the same. But Honey never heard their teasing at each other. The thought that Trixie didn’t trust her anymore was more that enough for her mind not to have space for anything else.

*    *    *     *

"Ouch! Brian, are you trying to kill me?" Mart shouted from behind the tiny stage at one corner of Wimpy’s.

"Sorry, man. I thought you were outta there by now!" Brian said with a grin, as he turned off the power switch again. "You’ve been there forever! What’s so hard about connecting a few cables?"

"I never heard you volunteering to do it yourself!" Mart groaned as he struggled to get back on his feet. "Look at that! My hands are still shaking! You could have electrocuted me!"

"Oh, stop whining!" Dan dismissed him with a gesture. "Is the job done or not?"

"Yeah, yeah!" Mart muttered, still sulking.

"I know what will make him feel better!" Tad Webster said, from behind the counter. Winking at the others, he laid a plate filled with a juicy hamburger and a huge pile of French fries in front of Mart. Mart’s face lighted as if by a miracle. Tad laughed. He had been a friend of the BWG’s for a long, long time, although their relationship hadn’t had a good start. But things eventually straightened themselves out and now they were good friends. Since Tad’s only family was Spider Webster, the BWG’s favorite policeman in the world, he had to work to get through college and right now he was working at Wimpy’s as its manager.

His friendliness and youth had been a major find for the restaurant. The former waiters had left a while before and with the coming of bigger restaurant chains to Sleepyside and its outskirts, the BWG’s favorite restaurant had been in trouble. But Tad had managed to turn it around organizing parties, concerts and other youth attracting events. Right now, the male BWG’s were helping him setting up a karaoke system.

"Do you really think anyone we know would stand up and sing?" Mart asked between two mouthfuls.

"Well, not you, dear brother of mine! You couldn’t catch a tune if it bit you. You’ll have to stick to the guitar." Brian stated, taking a bite of his own hamburger and dodging from Mart’s punch. "However, I think we can rely on Jim to put on a nice performance!"

"No way, man!" Jim exclaimed from his seat. "That was a one time show!"

"Do you mind enlightening us at to what you’re talking about?" Mart asked, his curiosity peeked.

"Well, back in college, Jim entered a bet. Some guys were saying he would never be able to do something crazy. Jim here felt his pride hurt and jumped onto the stage... We were in a karaoke bar, too. He sang ‘Born to be wild’ in a way that made the guys’ jaws drop! It was amazing. I never knew he could sing ‘till then."

"Talk about having secrets!" Dan said, teasingly. Jim’s face was as red as his hair.

"And let me tell you, he struck gold with that song! There were girls smiling at him everywhere he went! I had to break some hearts by letting them know his own heart was already taken!" Brian couldn’t help laughing at his friend’s face.

"Why didn’t you ever tell us you could sing?" Mart asked.

"Oh, I never paid much attention to it, really. My mother had a great voice and we used to sing together... Until she died. Afterwards... Well, it just didn’t make much sense." Jim said, with a shrug of his shoulders.

Their conversation was interrupted by the girl’s entrance. Jim’s face lit up when his eyes met Trixie’s and she smiled at him. "We need to talk." She whispered as she sat by him. "About you know who."

"Yeah... I have a few things to tell you myself." He said in the same tone.

"Have you never been told how rude it is to exchange secrets in the presence of others?" Mart said as he managed to squeeze himself between them.

"And have you never been told how rude it is to interrupt other people’s conversations?" Jim retorted. "C’me on, Mart! Leave us be! Di’s over there waiting for you!"

Mart laughed as he walked back to his seat.

"They are starting to suspect something..." Trixie stated, nodding in Honey’s direction.

"We got to do something about it soon." Jim said but whatever he was going to say next was muffled by the loud music someone had just turned on. They turned in their seats to see Mart and Dan laughing by the karaoke system.

"Come on, Jim. Show us what you can do!" Mart shouted over the music.

"No way!" Jim shouted back, blushing to the root of his hair.

"What do they want you to do?" Trixie asked, amused.

"Embarrass myself!" Jim moaned, hiding his face in his hands. But Mart and Dan were determined to have a show, so they started cheering Jim and leading the other customers (most of which they had known for a long time) into doing the same. Jim groaned in desperation once more but ended up taking the challenge. Trixie felt butterflies in her stomach as she saw him walking towards the stage. Jim singing? Since when?

The red-headed young man finally got to the stage where the grinning faces of Dan and Mart awaited him. He sighed and after looking back a Trixie and winking at her, he whispered something in Dan’s ear. Dan’s smile as he looked in her direction made Trixie tremble. What were they up to? As the first chords started to play, her eyes widened. No, it couldn’t be!

"I've got sunshine
On a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside,
I've got the month of May.
Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?"

It was. Trixie felt her face turn to a bright shade of red. Every doubt she could have as to whom this was directed disappeared the moment she saw Jim climb off the stage and start walking in her direction. Meanwhile Brian had joined in the fun and had jumped on the stage, leading his brother and Dan to do the chorus of the song. As if all the others customers singing along wasn’t enough of an embarrassment.

"Oh, God!" she moaned. Trixie remembered once Jim mentioning something about his mother teaching him to sing, but she had never thought he could sing like that. And on top of it all he looked gorgeous. How could a man look so good in a plain white T-Shirt and faded blue jeans? The answer came swiftly:.. He could.

Jim was right in front of her, his deep, soft voice singing those words, his eyes trying to look into hers. What was he trying to do? Drive her crazy?

"My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl, my girl
I don't need no money, fortune or fame
I've got all the riches, baby, one man can claim
Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl."

Trixie was so embarrassed she could barely look at him. But by then, the song was over and Jim was standing right in front of her, smiling and biting his lip as would a child that had just done something naughty.

"Sorry... They made me do it." he whispered as he took his place next to her again.

"Yeah... I saw them torture you." But there was a smile in Trixie’s face. "Jim, let’s take a walk and talk ok?"

Jim nodded and followed her outside. None of the other BWG’s even dared to follow them but as soon as Jim and Trixie stepped outside all of them, as if on cue, rushed to the window. They had to see as much of this as they could.

*    *    *     *

"We seem to be taking a awful lot of walks lately." Trixie said, as they slowly walked down the street, towards the park.

Jim grinned and then said: "I guess we have. It’s... uh... healthy!"

She had to laugh at his remark, despite her nervousness. "What was that all about, inside?"

He gave her a sideways glance, trying to figure out what was on her mind. "Well, Brian had just told them I could sing and they decided to pull a fast one on me." Jim slowly answered.

Hearing his answer made Trixie stop on her tracks and stare at him. "Yeah, but I noticed you were the one who chose the song. Why precisely that song?"

A wicked grin appeared on his lips. "Haven’t you figured it out yet, hey Shamus?"

She dismissed his answer with an impatient gesture. "Jim, please. Let’s stop beating around the bush! We both know something is happening and I would just like to know what it is! Lately you seem to be always trying to tell me something but you never do..."

He swallowed hard. Her playfulness was gone and he knew just by looking at her she was tired of playing games. "I’m sorry, Trix... I was just trying to... Oh, hell, I didn’t mean to..." Jim couldn’t find the words, so he just shut up and went on walking by her side.

"Yeah..." Trixie’s ironic tone made his blood freeze. "You’re always trying and you never mean it..." As soon as she said this, Trixie bit her lip and an apology formed in her mind. But she froze as she saw the look on his face. Jim had turned white and she could see how much she had hurt him. She half expected him to turn around and walk away from her. Those words had been too strong and very far from the truth. But to her surprise he didn’t walk away. Clenching his fists, Jim held her gaze for a few moments. His determined look scared her.

"Are you sure you really want to know? I mean, right now?" he finally asked, in a husky voice.

"Yes..." her answer was barely audible.

Taking a deep breath, Jim fell down on one knee. Trixie took a step back, instinctively. Whatever she was expecting it wasn’t this. Because now there was no doubt in her mind as to what he was thinking about doing. None of them bothered to look around and see if there were any bystanders enjoying the scene. They really didn’t care. But as by magic the park was nearly empty.

"Will you marry me?" Jim asked, as he reached out to hold her hand.

Trixie lost her breath as she heard his words. She felt dizzy, her belly was aching... She felt like she had on her first day at elementary school. Her throat was so tight and her mouth so dry, she thought she would never be able to utter another word. Jim was asking her to marry him! What the hell was she supposed to say? She stepped away from him, too confused to go on looking into his eyes. Breathing in deeply, she tried to focus but she couldn’t. "Oh, God!" Trixie moaned. She tried to understand what she had been expecting to hear him say. His words had been perfectly logic but still... They were so permanent, so... frightening.

Jim finally got back on his feet. There, it was out. He felt as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. But now... He would have to deal with what he had just said. They just stood in front of each other, both pale and trembling, staring in each other’s eyes.

"I don’t know what to say now..." Trixie whispered, as she dropped her eyes to the ground.

"There’s only one out of two things you can say... But I’m not expecting you to say it now." Jim’s heart was aching with the yearning of pulling her into his arms and empty his heart to her. But he couldn’t... This was her call now. He didn’t want her to say yes just because she was afraid to hurt him. That would kill him. "I love you, Trix... I should have told you before, but I’m only human and I was scared. Now you know." He added. "Think about it... But whatever you do, don’t ‘settle’ for me!" Trixie understood the disgust he put on the word. He didn’t want to be second best to her. Thousands of words came to her mind but not one left her lips. Somehow they were all inadequate. And as she saw him walk away, his head bent, she felt like crying. And she did.

 

Chapter Eight

"God, I’m so sick of being locked up in here!" Annie moaned, hiding her face in her hands.

"Yeah... As if picking locks wasn’t your specialty." Bobby teased from across the room. "Anyway, you have to be patient. Things will work out just fine, you’ll see."

"Easy for you to say. You can walk outta here anytime you want and go into that perfect little house of yours and be with your perfect little family!"

Bobby couldn’t help feeling hurt by the irony in her voice. Hey, I’m not to blame for whatever happened to you! So just quit being obnoxious ok?"

Annie opened her mouth to answer but seemed to think twice and gave it up. She knew he was right. But it was much easier to blame him for having a nice life than to admit she envied him. "So, what’s with this club anyway? Who are the others you keep talking about?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

Still frowning, Bobby decided it was best to overlook her previous words and answered more lightly: Well, there’s my two brothers, Mart and Brian. There’s Honey, Jim’s sister, who is going to marry Brian soon enough. There’s Diana, Mart’s girlfriend and my buddy Dan. He saved my life once." Bobby added, with a proud smile.

"Dan... He must be the one Jim mentioned... The one that was in trouble once too."

Bobby nodded in agreement. "Yeah... He wasn’t very nice when he first got here. He always trying to defend himself by attacking others... Hey, that kinda reminds me of someone else!" Bobby was staring straight at her when he said this and he had the pleasure of seeing her blush.

"Yeah, yeah, right..." Annie was going to say something else when Bobby suddenly told her to be quiet. "What’s the matter?" she whispered, instinctively getting closer to him.

"I heard something." As soon as he said this, they both heard the distinctive sound of a lock being tampered with. Bobby felt like kissing himself for remembering to lock the door from the inside. It would give them time to hide. Thinking fast, Bobby nearly dragged a half petrified Annie to the small storage room on the back of the clubhouse. It was packed with skiing gear, sleighs, back packs and all off their camping material but they managed to fit inside. Looking around, Bobby tried to find something that would block the door. With Annie’s trembling help, he managed to quietly pile up some boxes against the door, hoping they would hold in case someone tried to open it. Somehow he had known their intruder was not a friendly one. Through a narrow crack in the door he peeked outside. There was a man standing right in the middle of the room. He was young but dangerous looking.

"Well, well... The rats abandoned the ship..." Bobby heard him say. Looking down at Annie, he saw she was terrified. Her lips formed the word "Dave". Bobby squeezed her hand trying to reassure her but his heart was racing and in his mind he couldn’t help seeing the most horrid pictures of what would happen should Dave find them. So they both stood as quiet and as motionless as they could.

Dave cruised around the room, his hands on his hips. "Where are you, you little..." Then he seemed to notice the door to the storage room and walked towards it, grinning. Bobby held his breath and closed his eyes. He heard the handle turn, but the boxes held the door tight. Silently, he blessed Mart for never throwing anything away. Opening his eyes, he looked outside again. Something else had caught David’s attention. Bobby’s heart stopped when he saw Annie’s backpack in a corner of the room. Apparently, Dave had seen it too for he walked to it and violently grabbed it.

"Oh, Annie, Annie, aren’t you careless!" he laughed. His laughter was dry and mean, as far as Bobby could hear. The man opened the bag and emptied on the table. He seemed to be disappointed and mad for not finding whatever he was looking for.

"No, it’s not there, you jerk!" Annie murmured, almost to low for even Bobby to hear.

Dave kicked one of the chairs over and loudly cursed. "I’ll find the money, all right!" they heard him say, before he left the clubhouse. "And then I’ll find you, wherever you are!" Dave shut the door with a loud bang. Inside the clubhouse, Annie and Bobby finally breathed again but they didn’t dare leave their hiding place until almost an hour had passed.

*    *    *     *

Jim had walked on, without a destination for a while. He needed to cool off. He knew that what he had done was risky and careless but he had seen no other way out. He was fed up with always beating around the bush, so this time he had beat the bush itself! What he would do if Trixie refused his proposal he didn’t know... But if he thought about it now he would go insane!

Soon enough, his attention was drawn to something else. A truck was pulling over next to the bus stop and a man got out. Jim thought he looked familiar and then he remembered: it was the same man he and Dan had followed across town that very morning. David Halston! He hadn’t had time to think about it again, but as soon as Dan had mentioned the man’s name, he had wondered if this David and Annie’s Dave were the same person. It would be too much of a coincidence to have two guys named David from New York City in Sleepyside and both of them with a police record the size of Manhattan.

Praying that Dave wouldn’t recognize him, Jim followed him again. This time he knew where he was headed and took his precautions. Taking his cap from his back pocket, he buried it up to his eyes. Experience had shown him that nothing stands out in the middle of a crowd as red hair. And so he walked after David, apparently without drawing his attention. The man was too engulfed in his own thoughts to take notice of him. As they approached the hotel where him and Dan had seen Dave enter, Jim stopped. There was a bus stop just around the corner from where he could see the building, so he sat on the depredated bench and watched.

He didn’t have to wait long. Before Dave even entered the hotel, another man came up to him and stopped him. Jim peeked from under his cap as inconspicuously as he could. The second man was a bit older than Dave, maybe in his early thirties and his features were the kind that always pass unnoticed. Their conversation was heated. Dave’s friend was apparently telling him something the other wasn’t enjoying. Finally they seemed to reach an agreement and walked away together. Jim hesitated on what to do. If he followed them, Dave would probably notice him. But he hadn’t come this far to go away empty handed. He stared at the hotel. An idea was brewing in his mind and he smiled. I’m starting to think like Trixie, he thought as he crossed the street.

There was no one in sight as Jim crossed the doorway. The place was as depredated as the surrounding atmosphere, dust pilling up everywhere, old magazines and newspapers on a nearby table. From the office behind the reception counter, came a loud snore. Looking around, and making sure no one was watching, Jim leant over the counter and picked up the registration book. It was a long shot, but he figured that if Dave was as cocky and sure of himself as Dan had told him, he wouldn’t have any problems in signing his own name. Lucky strike or just a great hunch, it was right on target. There it was: D. Halston, number seven.

Jim shot up the stairs. Room number seven was at the end of a dim corridor, lighted only by a filthy window. He tried the door. Locked. Well, it seemed as if he would have to recur to the street learning he had picked up years before. Reaching for his wallet in his back pocket, he took his ATM card and placed it between the door frame and the ancient lock. Just a few nudges and thrusts and... voilá! He heard the blessed click of a door opening.

The room was small and as grim looking as whole of the neighborhood. There was a single bed pushed against the far wall and a bedside table next to it. On the opposite wall stood a small closet. The wallpaper was pealing in more than one place and humidity had done its dirty work all over it. Jim couldn’t help to shiver but he didn’t lose much time in contemplating his surroundings. He knew he had work to do. His survey of the closet proved fruitless. There was nothing there but clothes. He was luckier with the bedside table, though. In the drawer was a thin gold chain. Hanging from it was a heavy locket, appearing to be very old. Jim had no doubt it was Annie’s. This was the proof his hunch had been right: Dan’s David was the same as Annie’s Dave.

Mentally crossing his fingers, he looked for the opening mechanism. Apparently Dave had tried to do the same, for there were scratches on the sides as if someone had tried to force it open with a knife. But Jim knew better than that. He remembered his mother having a locket very similar to that one and as a child he hadn’t had a moment’s rest before he figured out how to open it. Carefully, he felt around the locket, trying to find the nearly invisible mechanism. It didn’t take him long to find it, since it was where he remembered it to be. The locket didn’t open in half as lockets usually did. Instead there was a small compartment right in the middle of it. And inside was a tiny key. Carefully, Jim picked it up and a wide grin spread across his face. The key to the train station locker!

In his excitement he never heard the footsteps outside or the sound of the door opening. But he certainly felt the pain across his skull when someone hit him from behind. Next thing he saw was darkness.

*     *     *

Trixie’s stopped in the middle of a sentence when she saw Bobby running downhill. With Annie. Dan and Honey were still standing with her outside Crabapple Farm. They had been teasing her into telling them what had happened between Jim and herself, since Jim hadn’t come back to Wimpy’s after their talk. It wasn’t that difficult to ease herself out of that subject, but it would be much more difficult to explain who was the girl running towards them with Bobby and why they were both looking so scared.

When the two teenagers arrived at the Belden’s farm gate they were out of breath. Trixie gulped as she saw the confused looks on her friend’s faces. Boy, this is it!, she thought. She would have to tell the truth. "Bobby, what happened? Why is Annie here?" Trixie asked carefully.

Only then did Bobby seem to notice Dan and Honey’s presence. But he was too scared to think twice about it. "We were at the club house... Dave went there. We hid in the storage room. But I couldn’t let her stay there on her own."

His sister nodded, concern easily seen in her expression. Dan was frowning and he knew something was wrong. "Trixie, what the hell is going on? Who’s Annie and why was she staying in the club house?"              

The blonde girl sighed and stared at the anxious faces around her. "Well, guys... I think it’s time we call an emergency meeting of the BWG’s."

*    *    *

"From all the crazy things you’ve done through the years, Beatrix Belden, this is by far one of the craziest!" Mart exclaimed, as he passed around the room. "Why on earth didn’t you tell us what was going on? I knew from the start you were up to something! You and Mr. Robert Belden!"

Bobby slid on the chair at his brother’s reproach. "It’s not my fault!" he mumbled.

"Don’t take this personally, Annie, but some of the members of this club have a knack for getting into trouble!" Brian said to the pale girl sitting next to him. She smiled shyly at him.

"Why didn’t you tell us, Trixie?" Honey’s voice sounded hurt and it didn’t pass unnoticed to Trixie. She felt sorry for her friend and wished she had told her.

"Oh, Honey, I was going to... But things were so crazy lately... And Jim, Bobby and I were handling it. It didn’t seem necessary to bring anyone else on it."

"We’re not just ‘anyone else’!" Honey said, on the verge of tears.

"And where is that co-president of ours?" Dan said, trying to diverge the subject. "He, of all people, should know better!"

"He told me he was going for a walk..." Trixie lied. In her heart, she was beginning to feel scared too. Though she knew he probably had a lot on his mind and wanted to be alone, she had a gut feeling that something was wrong. But she kept quiet.

"Mart, remember that guy I mentioned to you? The one I told you was trouble?" Dan went on. "I think he’s the guy chasing Annie here. It would be too much of a coincidence."

"You mean David? You know him?" Trixie asked, her eyes widening in amazement.

"Oh, I know him all right. A regular at the D.A.’s office! He was arrested a few weeks ago on some drug bust but got away on a technicality. He’s a piece of work!"

"That’s why it took him so long to track me down!" Annie whispered.

Suddenly, Trixie got up almost knocking the chair over in the process. "My God! How could I’ve been so dumb? It was obvious! Di, remember that man Mr. Lytell told you about? The one who was making questions about the Wheeler estate? I bet it was Dave!"

Di nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think you’re right! I remember Mr. Lytell complaining about too much city people moving in, that they were spoiling the neighborhood! I bet he meant the man was from the city!"

"C’me on, guys, calm down!" Dan said, concerned. "I’m really worried about Jim. He might have gotten to the same conclusion I did about Dave. We followed him over to Hawthorne Street this morning and I mentioned his name! Jim is bound to have put two and two together!"

"Oh, God!" Honey hid her face in Brian’s shoulder, trying to hold back the tears.

Trixie was finding it hard to contain her own. Seeing how upset she was, Mart came up to her and put an arm around her shoulders. "Easy, Trix. He knows how to take care of himself. He’ll be ok." He whispered. His sister gave him a thankful smile and sat down again. Everybody kept silent. No one really knew what to say. They were all worried about Jim. Suddenly, the club door opened. Trixie jumped in her seat, startled and fearing she would turn to see Dave walk through the door. Instead, Jim walked in. Pale and tired, but in one piece.

Trixie forgot everything and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Oh, Jim, we were so worried." She said, her face still buried in his chest.

He held her tight and smiled. He would have gone through everything again just to feel her hold him that way. "I’m fine. Got a big bump on the head but I’m fine." He stated, as they walked to the table.

Hearing this, Brian rushed to his friend and examined his head. "Ouch! This must have hurt. But you were pretty lucky. No fracture. Still I want you to look out for dizziness or nausea. This could be serious." Brian warned, seriously.

"I know, man. Don’t worry. I’ve had my share of bumps in the head during my acquaintance with your sister!" Jim smiled at Trixie and she stuck her tongue out, relieved to see that even after their talk everything was alright between them.

Soon the BWG’s had briefed Jim on what had happened during his absence. Jim heard with a grave look on his handsome face and then told them his own adventure. Trixie shivered when he mentioned the attack. "How did you get away?" she asked.

"I didn’t. I blacked out! When I woke up, the room was empty and the locket was gone."

"And the key?" Trixie was almost bursting with excitement.

He grinned, mischievously and reached for his pocket. On his opened palm, he showed them the tiny key to a big fortune.

"God, you’re as bad as Trixie!" Dan exclaimed as he did it. "You knew that guy was dangerous!"

"I had to do it, Dan. It was worth it." Jim replied. "And you know you would have done the same."

"I guess... Still, we have to do something about Annie."

Seven faces turned to Bobby and Annie who had kept silent, trying to pass unnoticed. "Please, don’t call the police." Annie pleaded, her eyes full of terror. Her cockiness and street smartness were long forgotten. She was plain scared now.

"They won’t." Bobby tried to reassure her, by holding her hand. "Will you guys?"

"No, don’t worry. Like I said to Trixie, that would complicate things for her. Dan here will have to agree." Jim waited for Dan’s nod to go on. "I guess the best place to keep her is Manor House. There are lots of people there to look out for her. Dave won’t be able to get to her there."

"That’s a great idea." Honey said, smiling for the first time since the meeting had started. Her eyes met Trixie’s and the later understood Honey had forgiven her for keeping a secret from her. "But if we do it, we’ll have to tell my father."

The BWG’s looked at each other. Matthew Wheeler was a great friend of them but they all knew their temper. And instantly they knew it wouldn’t be easy to convince him.

*    *    *     *

Matthew Wheeler’s eyes traveled from his two children and their friends to the skinny, pale girl standing beside them. He had been thinking Trixie was kind of quiet lately and he couldn’t help feeling relieved for Honey’s change of mind regarding the agency. But now he knew it was no use. Those kids would always get in trouble, no matter what they decided to do with their lives.

"Kids, this is serious." he said, a stern expression on his face. "This is probably one of the biggest scrapes you’ve been in... so far!" Mr. Wheeler added, making Trixie blush. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and said: "I know, Mr. Wheeler. But this time we didn’t look for it... We couldn’t just let Annie run off again. We have to help her. And we were going to talk to the police... eventually. You have to admit it would have been worse for Annie to talk to them immediately."

He stared at them silently for a minute and then nodded. "All right, I give up. Annie can stay here. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks. But I will talk to Lewis Parker myself."

"You...?" Jim exchanged glances with the other BWG’s. "You know Mr. Parker, dad?"

Matthew Wheeler nodded and sighed. "I even went to the funeral... Jason’s funeral." Saying this, Mr. Wheeler glanced at Annie to see her reaction. She was paler than before but managed to hold herself together. "I was in college with Lewis. We never kept much contact but exchanged letters and phone calls at Christmas and such. He was devastated when Jason died... And he told me he would do anything to catch the murderer, that the police wasn’t doing much. So I know he’ll want to hear about this."

"What about me?" Annie asked, shy in the dominating presence of Matt Wheeler. The red headed man walked towards her and smiled as he laid a hand on her thin shoulder. "You, my dear, will stay here. Tomorrow we’ll take care of recovering the money."

*    *    *     *

Trixie went to bed that night with a feeling of accomplished duty. There was still a lot to be done, but at least Annie was safe. Manor House was like a safe house, especially with Matt Wheeler on the lookout. And she had just done something else to make her even safer. Captain Molinson was now warned that a dangerous character from New York City was cruising around Sleepyside. As soon as she had arrived home, she’d headed for the phone and called Molinson. They had to do something about Dave, but since they had no proofs of his wrong doings, they would have to take advantage of Captain Molinson’s well-known crusade for Sleepyside’s safety. He would keep an eye on him.

Molinson had been suspicious of the warning and asked her what she was up to. But Trixie had managed to convince him she was speaking in Dan’s name. Her friend had fallen in Molinson’s good graces since he had decided to become a lawyer, so she knew the mention of his name would be enough. So, now she felt at peace with herself. At least as far as Annie was concerned, because there was something else bothering her. Jim. Jim and his proposal. After their talk he had acted as friendly as he usually did... Almost too friendly, as if nothing had happened. But she knew he was trying to give her space to decide. Marry Jim! The mere thought made Trixie shiver in anticipation. Cuddling up in her sheets, she remembered all those lonely nights she had dreamed of him and her together at last. All those years... Her eyes clouded. Was this the right time? Wasn’t it too late? Trixie was so confused her head was spinning. Through her mind passed all the moments she had spent with Jim... He had been a part of the most special moments in her life. Would there be any special moments without him?

*    *    *   *

The day had hardly dawned yet when Trixie, Jim, Dan and Annie hoped into Mr. Wheeler’s BMW. He had made a point in going with them to the train station. Trixie looked back as the car went down Glenn Road as saw Bobby still standing by Crabapple Farm’s gate. She knew her little brother was disappointed for not going with them but Matthew Wheeler had been adamant as far as not endangering someone else. And Bobby still felt too intimidated by Mr. Wheeler’s imposing presence to complain. She couldn’t help smiling as she remembered her parents’ faces as they were told about Bobby’s latest adventures. And Peter Belden’s involuntary remark had left no doubts as to what they were thinking: "Oh, God! It’s Trixie all over again!"

And History was repeating itself. The previous night had been a time of revelations for Trixie. It had to be more than a mere coincidence that exactly nine years before she had found Jim hiding in an abandoned house. That there was a big bundle of money to be found and a wicked man chasing him. It had been the beginning of everything. She hardly remembered her life previous to that. And now it was starting all over again. With Bobby and Annie. A new beginning, she thought, Maybe it’s life’s way of telling me I should move on and let the future take its rightful place.

Sighing, Trixie moved her gaze away from the car window and found Jim’s deep green eyes staring at her. Annie was sitting between them in the back seat but he found a way of reaching out and gently caressing her cheek. Trixie blushed under his intense scrutiny and looked away. This would have to wait until after Annie’s case was solved. She only hoped it didn’t take much longer!

Sleepyside’s train station was crowded in the mornings. There were lots of people leaving to work in NY and surroundings towns. They had chosen that time to go into the station on purpose; it was best that they mingled with the crowd, if Annie was really being chased. And they hadn’t many doubts left. As they approached the entrance, Jim and Trixie instinctively placed themselves on each side of Annie. Matthew Wheeler walked behind them, guarding their backs and Dan took the lead, since he was the one more likely to quickly recognize Dave.

The locker area was empty. No one was to be seen. The sound of the crowds moving in and about the station was muffled and distant. Trixie shivered. There was something wrong. She felt observed. Looking at Jim, she could tell by the serious look in his face and his wandering eyes that he was feeling it too. But they moved on. Suddenly, without any of them expecting it, Annie ran towards the metal cabinets leaning against the far wall. "This is the one!" she said, excitedly. And abruptly, as she was reaching up to point at the locker in which she had hidden the money, a man appeared out of nowhere and violently grabbed her by the arm. Pushing a gun against the frightened girls’ forehead he backed away from the group a few paces more, saying: "Don’t even think about coming closer! I want the money. You can have her, but only after we have a chat!" Looking down at Annie, he snorted "We have a lot to talk about, haven’t we, baby?"

"Let her go, Halston!" Dan ordered, his dark eyes glistening in fury. "You can have the money but let her go. Kidnapping would look wonderfully on your resume!"

"You rich kids think you’re real smart, don’t you? Chasing me around town, breaking into my room... I should have done something more... permanent with you, hey Red? I could charge you with breaking and entering, you know?" Dave said, nodding towards Jim.

"You’ve got some nerve!" Jim shouted. "Let the girl go or I promise I will personally lock you up and throw away the key!" Looking up at him, Trixie was scared by the determined look in his face and feared he would do something silly. She had to act.

"It’s no use, Jim. Our friend here knows his way around the courtrooms, isn’t that so, David? You know that with a smart lawyer you can get away with murder." she said, folding her arms across her chest. She knew flatter was the quickest way to drive someone into making a mistake.

Dave’s grin widened. "Yeah, little lady, you bet! You’re the only real smart one in that bunch!"

"Sure. And you are much smarter than any of us. You managed to follow us here without we noticing it. We never suspected a thing. And neither did Jason, did he? Not until the very end." Trixie gulped as she saw his grip on the gun harden.

"Jason wasn’t very smart... He could have been rich by now! But he had to play Mr. Nice Guy. I couldn’t let him spoil the party, could I?"

"You killed him!" Annie shouted, as she finally woke up from her dazed state and tried to escape from his grip.

"Yes, I did! And I’ll do the same to you if you try anything funny!"

"Oh, isn’t it nice to hear a man admit his own actions?" a voice said from above them. Startled, David looked up. Standing on a veranda above them was Captain Molinson and some of his men, pointing their guns to David. Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, Annie kicked his shin. The sudden and unexpected pain made Dave let go of her. Next thing he knew Annie was safe in Trixie’s arms and Dan had pinned him to the ground. Jim rushed over to kick the gun away from them.

"Captain Molinson, I’ve never been so happy to see you!" Trixie said, smiling widely.

"I bet!" Molinson’s expression was harsh but there was a twinkle in his eyes. "Mr. Wheeler, I thought you had these kids under control!"

"So did I, Captain." Jim’s adoptive father glanced at the silent quartet and couldn’t hide a smile. "But they always manage to surprise me."

"Talking about surprises..." Trixie interrupted. "How did you know, Captain?"

"I know you, Miss Belden. I’ve known you for nine long years! And I knew that call of yours last night didn’t come out of the goodness of your heart. You never took the bother of warning me there were crooks on the lose in my town before, so this time it had to be something big!"

"You were spying on me?" Trixie was shocked.

Captain Molinson blushed. "Well, not exactly. Let’s say I took your warning seriously and kept an eye on Mr. Halston. Especially after I took a look at his record."

A big smile appeared on Trixie’s face. "Captain, you took my warning seriously? Since when?"

"Like I said, I’ve known you for nine years... And I could count the times when you were wrong by the fingers of one hand."

It was Trixie’s time to blush.

"But you won’t get away with just praise, Miss Belden. You’ll have to tell me this whole story... Now!"

 

Chapter Nine

It was past noon when Trixie, Dan, Jim and Annie finally entered Crabapple Farm’s kitchen. Several pairs of eyes stared at them as they crossed the doorway. All of the BWG’s were there, plus Mrs. Belden and Miss Trask.

Exhausted as they were, they knew their friends had a right to know what had happened that morning. And so they summarized the events which had led to David’s arrest. After scolding Trixie once more, Captain Molinson had agreed to leave Annie with the Wheeler’s for the time being, provided the Social Services were warned. There was still the matter of Annie’s uncle to be solved. The girl had been very excited when she’d heard she had family and Trixie couldn’t help feeling as glad as she did.

But finally they were through with their story and the group split up. As Jim was setting up to take Annie up to Manor House, along with Miss Trask, he managed to place an envelope in Trixie’s hand. She stared at him waiting for an explanation but he merely smiled. She stood there, holding the envelope in her hand, watching him slowly walk up the hill. When they finally disappeared from her sight, she lowered her eyes to her hand. With trembling hands she opened the envelope. Inside was a sheet of paper half covered with Jim’s even, strong handwriting.

"Dear Trixie," she read "I know these last few days have been hard on both of us. I didn’t make it easier on you with my proposal. But I guess we’ve waited long enough to make a decision about the two of us. I love you, Trix, I probably always will but I don’t want you to say yes just because you’re afraid to hurt me. Not knowing hurts a lot more. I’ve been thinking and I guess that if we try to talk about this some more we’ll end up screwing things up... again. We’re better with actions than we are with words, so I thought of a way you could tell me your decision without actually speaking. Remember the ring that belonged to my aunt? Wear it tomorrow, at the party, if you’re answer is yes and you’re willing to give us a try. If you don’t wear it... Well, I’ll get the message. Please, Trixie, listen to your heart and do what it tells you to, whatever it may be. Love, Jim. P.S.: And this has nothing to do with you working with me. That offer still stands, no matter what your decision may be."

Trixie folded the letter and slowly walked up the stairs. Tomorrow. Jim wanted an answer tomorrow. And she knew that ring thing meant he wanted a yes or a no. There was no in between. It was fair enough. They had been in between for far too long.

She closed her bedroom door behind her and sat on her bed. Her heart was at peace for the first time in weeks, which was strange enough considering all that was still to happen. But now Trixie was very sure of what really was second best to her and she wasn’t going to settle for it. No way.

 

******************************

Honey woke up as the first rays of sunlight came through the curtains of her bedroom window. She stretched and rubbed her eyes, still dreamily. Today was the day. She and Brian would become officially engaged. It was almost too wonderful to believe. But she had never doubted it would happen one day. And soon enough they would be man and wife.

Humming a tune, Honey jumped out of her bed and headed to her bathroom. She heard the water running in Jim’s room, just beside her own. A hint of concern tainted her happy thoughts. Honey knew how important this day would be to her brother. Oh, how she hoped everything would turn out right for them! There was nothing that would make happier than seeing Trixie and Jim together at last. But there was nothing she could do. Just pray.

*    *   *    *

Trixie’s heart was beating fast when she picked up the phone and dialed the number Captain Molinson had given her. She wanted to give the good news to Annie herself. The phone rang a few times before it was picked up. "Hello?" a man’s voice said on the other side of the line.

"Hello, Mr....." Trixie glanced at the paper she was holding to confirm the name "Mr. Dugan. My name is Beatrix Belden and I’m calling in regard of a photograph you left at the Police Station."

"You’ve seen my niece?" the man sounded anxious. "I’ve been trying to find her for years now! How is she?"

Trixie smiled. "She’s all right. She’s been through a lot, but she’s fine."

"Well, could we set up a meeting? I’m very anxious to see her... You see, her mother was my only sister and when I last saw her we weren’t in the best of terms. I thought about looking for her for a long time but I never did. And when I heard of her death..." Mr. Dugan voice faltered and failed.

"I understand, Mr. Dugan. Well, Annie’s staying with some friends in Manor House, up Glenn Road, a few miles from Sleepyside..."

Dugan interrupted her. "I’ll find it, don’t worry! I’ll be there in a few hours."

Mart was coming down the stairs, just as Trixie was hanging up the phone. "Who was that?" he asked, leaning against the railing and staring at his sister.

"Annie’s uncle. He has been looking for Annie for a long time and he finally tracked her down to Sleepyside."

"Oh, I guess that will be nice for the kid." Mart didn’t say another word, but Trixie knew him well enough to know there was still something in his mind.

"What, Mart? Just say it."

He sighed and folded his arms across his chest. "Well, you might tell me to mind my own business, but I have to ask. What’s up between you and Jim?"

To his surprise, Trixie walked up to him and hugged him. "I could tell you to mind your business, but I won’t. I also won’t tell you what’s going on between the two of us. But relax... You’ll know it before the day is through."

As his sister was walking away down the hall, Mart called out to her and asked: "Are you ok, Trix?"

The blonde girl turned to him and smiled. "Some decisions take a long time to be made. I was scared to leave some things behind. But you know what? I’ve just found out there’s so much more ahead of me. Yes, Mart, I’m ok!"

*  *  *  *

Annie was fidgeting in her party dress. She wasn’t used to such attire anymore. Besides she was very nervous. Trixie had just told her uncle was coming to see her. God, this was scarry!

"C’me on, Annie! Stop fidgeting!" Bobby told her, as she moved around on the bench.

"Bobby, I’m nervous! This man is the only family I have in the world! What if he doesn’t like me?" she asked, in a trembling voice. The youngest of the Belden clan stared at his companion in awe. He found it hard to believe this girl beside him was the same he had wrestled with some nights before. It was as if her bravado had been thrown away along with the rags she had been wearing. He was glad though. This Annie was much easier to be with. Before he had to watch his every word, because of her being so touchy. With a reassuring smile, Bobby put an arm around her shoulders. "’Course he will, silly. Who wouldn’t like someone as cute as you?" Annie looked back at him, surprised and then her face lit with a smile.

The sound of a car coming up the driveway startled them. The two kids got up and walked towards Trixie and Honey, who were standing at a short distance. Bobby’s arm never left Annie’s shoulders. As the dark blue old Sedan parked near Mrs. Wheeler’s beloved rose bushes, Bobby felt Annie shoulders tense up beneath his arm.

"Calm down." He whispered. As he did so, he saw a tall, dark haired man in jeans step out of the car and hesitate before approaching them. "Annie, is that you, sweet heart?" the man asked, in a notorious Irish accent.

Annie gulped and stepped away from Bobby’s embrace. She was trying to control herself, but Trixie could see that her eyes were welling up with tears. Slowly, the girl walked towards the man. "Uncle Joseph?" she asked, in a strangled voice.

The man’s face lit with a smile and he crossed the space that still separated in one long, quick stride. Falling down on his knees, he hugged Annie tight. "Oh, baby, I’ve been looking for you for such a long time! When I found out my sister was dead, I... Oh, my God, I’m so sorry I couldn’t get to you sooner!"

Despite the emotional scene in front of her, Trixie felt a cold chill run down her back. It was a sensation she hadn’t felt in a while. Something was wrong. But what?

 

**********************

The sound of the car coming up the driveway had made Jim leave the stables to see who was coming. He had been jumpy all morning, which was natural since his sister was getting engaged that same day and that there was a 50 per cent chance he would too. And a 50 per cent chance he wouldn’t. But something else was bugging him. After almost a decade of knowing Trixie, he had picked up a bit of her sixth sense, when trouble was concerned. Leaning back against the stable door, he watched the scene. Maybe this feeling was just him worrying too much about Annie’s future. The kid deserved a break. She wasn’t as tough as she seemed.

There was something familiar about the man that was driving the car, Jim thought as he stepped closer to the group, in an effort to see clearly. Hadn't he seen him around Sleepyside the past few days? There was a good chance he had, if the man had been looking for his niece as Molinson had stated. Suddenly, there was light in Jim’s spirit and thousands of alarm bells rang in his head. "TRIXIE! NO! GET ANNIE AWAY FROM THERE!" Jim yelled as he started running downhill towards the group. That man was the same he had seen with David Halston outside the hotel in Hawthorne Street! And he hadn’t witnessed just a random meeting. Those two knew each other very well!

By then, similar alarm bells had rung in Trixie’s head as well. She hadn’t seen him with Halston but she had heard his say he was Annie’s mother brother. And he had said the same thing on the phone... That’s what she had found strange about him! From what Annie had told her, her father was from Ireland, not her mother, who by the way was an orphan with no family! Trixie didn’t have a clue as to why Jim was running towards them like a mad man, but she wasn’t going to wait to find out. All her instincts were telling her that that guy was a crook!

‘Uncle Joseph’ hesitated when he heard Jim’s words. Annie was staring at him in awe, but there was a hint of suspicion brewing in her eyes. Then he met Trixie’s gaze and he felt his blood freeze. She knew! Without another moment’s hesitation he turned back and started running into the woods. Trixie darted after him, leaving Honey and Annie completely bewildered. Bobby ran after his sister and Jim, who had just passed them, slowing down only to tell his sister to take Annie inside. Then the three disappeared into the woods.

*    *    *     *

It didn’t take Jim long to catch up with Trixie and Bobby. As they rushed through the woods, following the trail of broken branches ‘Joseph’ had left behind, he could hear Trixie trying to convince Bobby to turn back. "Bobby, go home! I don’t know what this guy is capable of!"

"Not a chance, Trix. This is my case in the first place!" Bobby’s determined voice said.

Jim grinned and approached them. "Guys, I guess we should split up" he said to his friends "Heading this way he can only reach the lake or the club house. He must be smart enough to know he’s safer in the woods than in open ground. So, I guess you should head to the club house, Bobby, while me and your sister go over to the lake. Brian and Mart are at the club house and they’ll help if there’s any trouble. Take the shorter way over there, ok?"

To Trixie’s surprise Bobby didn’t question Jim suggestion and immediately headed to the club house. "How do you do that?" Trixie asked as they moved on into the woods.

"That’s my job, remember? Deal with boisterous youths! But there is a chance that guy goes to the club house... And every chance that he’ll find Mart, Brian and Dan over there. C’me on, let’s catch this guy." Jim said as he grabbed Trixie’s hand.

"By the way, how did you know?" she asked.

"I saw him with Halston, the day I got that bump on my head. I figured they had to be accomplices of some sort."

She nodded. "I should have known this was too much of a coincidence. You know, her long lost uncle appearing at a time like this... But I only figured it out when he said Annie’s mum was his sister!"

"Hey, how could you know?" Jim said as he reassuringly squeezed her hand. Doing so, he suddenly felt a sharp pain deep in his heart. He didn’t have the nerve to look down. Trixie’s hand was small enough to fit into his own if there was any ornament on it he would have felt it. But he didn’t. There was no ring on her fingers. Hiding his pain and trying to deal with the disappointment, Jim went on to the lake, hoping to God Trixie wouldn’t see his eyes, from which tears were threatening to fall.

Trixie was too engrossed in their pursuit to notice his pale face. Now she could distinctly hear the sounds of breaking branches ahead of them. "We’re getting close!" she told Jim as she let go of his hand and started running. Jim followed close behind her, clenching his teeth. Inside his chest was hurting.

Finally they got to the lake. Some yards ahead "Joseph" looked back and ran faster, as he saw them come closer. Jim darted after him, leaving a bewildered Trixie behind. She stood staring at him, wondering where that sudden rage had come from. Through the sandy margins the two ran, as "Joseph" supposedly tried to reach the road. But then he saw Mart, Bobby and Dan in front of him, coming out of the woods. He slowed down and looked around. His hesitation gave Jim enough time to catch up with him. Literally diving over him, Jim knocked the man over and punched him across the chin. He tried to fight back, but the red haired young man was like a wild cat. Jim had to let the pressure out or he would blow.

By the time the others got to them, they were still rolling around on the sand but Jim was undoubtedly winning the fight. Despite that, blood was oozing from a cut on his lip and his eye was already swollen. Mart and Dan finally managed to pull them apart. At that precise moment, Captain Molinson and Bill Regan appeared.

"Does anyone mind telling me what the hell is going on here?" Molinson bellowed as he looked from Annie’s supposed uncle to Jim. But Trixie was the one who answered. "This man is not Annie’s uncle. Jim saw him with David Halston. And the story he told us doesn’t match Annie’s."

Molinson gazed at the man with a raised eyebrow, but the other didn’t say a word. He merely looked down, looking defeated. "Well, I’ll have to talk that over with him, at the station." Handcuffing him, Molinson started leading him to his car, parked on Glenn Road. But before he disappeared into the woods, he turned back and said: "I know there’s a party today, but you’ll still hear from me soon. Depending on the talk I have with this gentleman here."

"All right, Captain." Trixie said with a smile. "But I bet he’ll sing like a bird." She added, in a lower tone of voice. Turning to her friends behind her, she saw Regan looking into Jim’s bruises.

"You better ask Brian to take a look at that, Jim. These look pretty painful."

"I’m ok, Regan. Don’t worry." Jim answered.

"Regan’s right, Jim..." Trixie said as she reached out to touch his bloody face. To her surprise, Jim gently pushed her hand away. "I’m fine, Trix, don’t worry... I’ve been through more painful stuff. We better go check on Annie." Saying that, he walked away into the woods.

The group followed him on to Manor House, but Trixie couldn’t help wondering what was wrong.

 

Chapter Ten

"Oh, my God! I still find what this poor girl went through hard to believe!" Mrs. Parker exclaimed once more as she held Annie’s hand.

"So do I." Matt Wheeler said, his impressive figure standing right in front of the girl. "But she managed to fool a hardened criminal into jail... With a little help from her friends." Turning to his children and the other BWG’s, he smiled.

Returning from the lake, Trixie and the others had found the Parkers with Matt and Madeleine Wheeler. They had come straight over after Mr. Wheeler’s call. They had been there for almost an hour and hadn’t asked about the money once. All they cared about was Annie. Lewis Parker was a tall, well built man in his early fifties. Only a shadow in his eyes betrayed the ordeal he’d been through. His wife, however, despite her obvious beauty, looked as if she was recovering from a long, tiresome illness.

"You were a very brave young girl, Annie." Lewis Parker said.

"What will happen to me now?" the girl asked, looking from one grown-up to another and then at Trixie and Jim. "You promised I wouldn’t go into an orphanage!"

Before any of them could answer, Mr. Parker exclaimed:

"An orphanage? Don’t be silly, child! I would never allow that to happen. Me and my wife have been thinking and we thought it would be very good for us to change scenery and leave New York. Too many painful memories there... Sleepyside looks delightful and we would love to live in a place like this. And we would be honored if you agreed to live with us. I think that’s what Jason would like us to do."

No one dared break the silence after Mr. Parker’s short speech. Everyone’s eyes on Annie. The girl went pale, then smiled, then started to cry. "I would love too..." she muttered in between her tears.

"YES!" Bobby yelled "Now you can be a Bob-White too!" The others started laughing at his emotional response and the boy blushed. Trixie smiled as her brother hugged Annie. Another case was solved. Bobby’s case. And everyone was happy. Everyone but Jim. Her smile faded as her eyes met his. Jim had been standing near the window since he had entered the room with Brian, a little while after the others, after tending to his bruises. She couldn’t help wondering what was wrong with him. He’d been cheerful until... Trixie’s heart skipped a beat and she remebered. Oh, no! she said to herself. It can’t be that!

Jim saw Trixie stare at him. He’d been trying to pass unnoticed but he knew his gloomy mood would soon be noticed in a room filled with such happy people. He was really happy for Annie. He’d been hoping something like this would happen... Something like had happen to him so many years before. But his heart was aching. He’d thought he had prepared himself for Trixie’s refusal...But now he knew he would never be prepared for it. Trixie wasn’t going to be his. Not the way he wanted her to be. And so as he saw her moving across the room to meet him, he walked away, leaving the room without being noticed by any of the others.

*    *    *     *

Trixie found him in his room, on the balcony. She had been taught never to enter a room without knocking but she knew that if she did, he wouldn’t answer her. Jim was like that when he wanted to be alone. But she wouldn’t leave him alone, hurting for something that...

"Jim..." she softly called, touching his shoulder.

"Hi, Trixie," he said, without turning to her. "The party is downstairs... You should head over there."

"Oh, no, Jim. You won’t get me out of here until you tell me what’s wrong." Trixie pulled his arm, forcing him to look at her. And she felt a pain in her heart as she saw his tear streaked face. "Jimmy, no!" she whispered.

He wiped his face with the back of his hand and smiled sadly. "Look, Trix, everything will be ok in a while. I know it was your call and I won’t hold it against you... But you have to give me time to get over it."

"Jim, I don’t know what you’re talking about!" she exclaimed. She knew she was lying but she had to know for sure.

"The ring... I noticed you weren’t wearing it in the woods, when I grabbed your hand." Jim lowered his eyes and turned away again. "I don’t want to commiserate or you to feel sorry for me, but I need time alone. Please, Trixie... All I don’t need right now is you being tender to me."

"Are you sure?" she whispered, unable to stop the smile that spread across her lips. Jim’s confused look grew even more so when she reached out and caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. Jim’s heart nearly stopped when he felt the soft scratching. Feeling his head spin, he grabbed her hand. The beautiful diamond sent sparkles of light all around them. Swallowing hard he stared into her eyes. "Trixie..."

She nervously giggled. "And you were the one always accusing me of jumping to conclusions. I took it off when we went into the woods. You do remember my tendency to lose stuff..."

He only nodded. Standing there, looking into her eyes, he didn’t know what to do. He had gone from hopeful to hopeless and back in less than an hour and now he didn’t know what to feel. And he suddenly realized that as he hadn’t been ready to deal with her refusal, he was certainly no more prepared to deal with her acceptance.

"I love you, Jimmy. I always did... But I was so scared of losing what we had that I never stopped to think on what we could have..." Trixie’s voice was trembling as she stood under his clear gaze. The words she had closed inside herself for such a long time were suddenly breaking their bonds and surfacing.

Reaching out, he softly touched her cheek and traced the lines of her face with his finger, as if trying to memorize them with his fingertips. Did she know what he felt like every time she called him Jimmy? That’s what his mother used to call him and sometimes, when they were alone, Trixie called him that too. She had done so that night of the prom... And he’d kissed her. She seemed to guess what was on his mind and smiled.

"This isn’t going to be like that night, I promise." She whispered.

"You promise? That was all my fault." He was finding hard to even speak. His voice was caught in his throat.

Surprised, she shook her head. "No, Jim, it wasn’t. It was me who walked away. I was so scared... And it was my first kiss... And I wasn’t ready for the way it made me feel. It was too strong! But it doesn’t matter now, anyway. We’re here now and... and I won’t lose you again! I will never settle for anything besides the absolute best!" saying that, Trixie threw her arms around his neck and held him tight. With a gasp of surprise, Jim closed his arms around her and closed his eyes as he reveled in the feeling of having her in his arms finally. "I love you, baby, I love you so much!" he whispered as he planted soft, tender kisses in her ears, forehead, nose, cheeks. Trixie laughed, delighted and she wondered how could she ever have doubted their mutual feelings. And only then, when their eyes met, did she noticed she could finally do what she had been wanting to do for a long, long time. Holding his face in her hands, Trixie stood on tiptoes and kissed him, tenderly and softly at first, exploring the feeling. But years of yearning and wishing and wanting suddenly broke the dams in their hearts and their lips met again, hungry, needy, certain of finally belonging to one another.

*    *    *     *

They walked slowly through the lawn, under the afternoon sun, their eyes lost in each other’s. Happiness was such an overwhelming feeling! People around them smiled at sight of the couple holding hands but they knew better than to interfere. This was a sight long overdue to those who knew them and they didn’t want to break the moment.

Jim and Trixie had been talking for hours in his room. Doubts, jealousies, dreams, fears, hopes and secret thoughts had been shared and talked over. It hadn’t been easy at first... They had been used to hide most of their feelings from each other. But then it was like they never had done so. They knew each other’s limits and faults. And now, walking by his side, Trixie was certain Jim was the man of her life. "I love you, you know." She said, with that gorgeous smile, full of light.

He smiled back, his eyes shining as two emeralds. "I know." Catching her by surprise, he pulled her to him and made her spin in the air. When he finally put her down, Jim hugged her tight and burying his face in her air, he breathed in deeply. "You do smell like a Summer’s day." He whispered in her ear.

"Hey, Bobby said that once, so many years ago! You remember that?"

A broad grin spread across his handsome face. "Yeah, how could I forget? You were dressing up and wearing perfume for Ben, trying to make your parents believe you were in love with him! If I remember correctly you were aiming to get that same ring you’re wearing today! God, I was so jealous!"

She laughed out loud. "Guess it would have been easier to pretend I was in love with you!"

"Pretend?" Jim tickled her until she begged for mercy. "You are quite an handful, young lady. And something tells me you’ll still be so, even after we’re married."

Trixie’s face grew serious. "Get married? Oh God, am I ready for that?"

Jim reached out and ran his hand through her sandy curls. "I don’t think any of us is. When I asked you to marry me, I didn’t mean right now. You have all the time in the world, as long as we’re together. We’ll have time to grow and know each other in deeper ways..." he hesitated "And clear our doubts."

Trixie shook her head and rushed to an explanation. No more misunderstandings, please! "Oh, Jim, I don’t have any doubts. I want to be your wife." She smiled. "I’m just scared I won’t be a good enough wife for you. I’m so... Oh, I don’t know!"

"You’re perfect. You’re all I want! And you’ll be the best wife in the world, because we’re in love!" With that he kissed her soundly.

"But you’ll still have to put up with my ‘mysterites’!" A naughty grin lighted Trixie’s eyes. "Even without the agency... You said it yourself I’ll keep getting into trouble, no matter what I do."

"Thank God for that! Look at all the people you’ve helped every time you got in trouble. I am the living proof!" Jim’s eyes narrowed and he looked to a point past Trixie’s head. "But somehow... Something tells me that agency will happen one day!" he said.

"I don’t know, Jim. I don’t want to do it alone..."

"You’ll never be alone. We all be with you. But I think you’ll find a new official partner soon enough..."

Confused, Trixie followed Jim’s eyes and saw Bobby and Annie standing at a distance. Suddenly, she realized what he meant, and smiled. "Do you think he’ll...?"

Behind her, Jim put his arms around her waist and pulled her to him, resting his chin on top of her head. "Something tells me he will."

Trixie sighed. In the afternoon sun, all her friends and family seemed happy and peaceful. Honey and Brian, Mart and Di... Even Dan smiled and joked, playfully, no more the sullen young man he had once been. And now Bobby and Annie... A new generation of Bob-Whites. For the first time in two or three years, Trixie longed for tomorrow and a future filled with new dreams and expectations. Next to the man she had always loved.

"Jimmy," she said "life can really be perfectly perfect!"

THE END