Chapter 13
After putting some items in a bag, Trixie went down to have dinner with her family. No one ate much, concerned about Brian. When they finished, Trixie went back up to the Manor House wondering if the kidnapper would call. She threw her bag in her jeep and drove to her neighbors. She parked her jeep so she could easily leave if the need came.
She went inside and up to Honey’s room. She saw Honey sitting on her bed with some wedding items. Trixie easily picked out the closed box for the place settings.
"How are you holding up?" Trixie asked moving over to the bed.
Honey looked up. "I’m okay."
"Honey, be honest with me. We’re best friends." Trixie watched as tears streamed down her face. She hurried to Honey and gave her friend a hug. She held her tight. "Honey, it’ll be all right."
"I’m so worried about Brian. I have to get him back."
"We’ll get him," Trixie said. "We will."
Trixie sat there holding her best friend hoping she sounded convincing. After a few minutes, Honey leaned back and wiped her eyes.
"I didn’t mean to break down."
"It’s all right. You’re worried about Brian. So am I. But we will get him back. And you two will have your wedding."
"I don’t care about the wedding. I just want Brian back."
"We all do," a male voice said.
They turned and saw Jim standing in the doorway. He moved into the room and sat down on the bed behind Honey.
"Thanks for saying that, Jim. I needed to hear that."
"We will find him and you will be back together," Jim said.
Honey nodded her head.
At that moment, Honey’s phone rang. Trixie got to her feet and hurried to the next room. She picked up the earphones and listened.
"Hello?" Honey asked.
"Miss Honey Wheeler."
"I have your money. Tell me where my fiance’ is."
"You have grown impatient these past few years."
"I’m tired of playing games. Where do you want the money? Where can I find Brian?"
"If you insist," the male voice said. "This is the plan. You, Honey, and no one else, will take the money to the high school and drop it into the garbage can closest to the woods opposite the football field. After I check to make sure the money is there, I will let you know where to find him."
"That won’t work. You have to bring along or there’s no deal."
Trixie couldn’t believe what Honey was doing.
"I’m calling the shots and I’ll tell you where to get your fiance’!" the male voice yelled.
"Fine. When do you want me to drop off the money?"
"At midnight. And no cops."
"I’ll be there."
Click.
Trixie pulled the earphones off and dialed her phone. After the second ring, the other end picked up.
"Hello?" Stan answered.
"It’s Trixie."
"What’s going on?"
"We got a drop off. Was anyone at the phone there?"
"No. It’s been empty since I dropped you off. Why?"
"It doesn’t matter now, but I do have a plan."
"What?" Stan asked.
"You do?" Jim and Honey asked getting her to look at them.
"Stan, go to the high school and make your way through the woods," Trixie said. "Honey will be dropping off the money in a garbage can opposite the football field. From there, they will get a call about Brian’s whereabouts."
"What time is the drop off?"
"Midnight."
"And what will you be doing?"
"What I was trained to do."
"Now, Trixie..." Stan began.
"This is how it has to be done," Trixie stated. "Each moment we waste arguing puts my brother’s life in more danger. Now, are you going to the school or do I have to find someone else who will?"
"I’m on my way."
"Good." Trixie turned off her phone.
"What are you going to do?" Jim asked.
"I’m going position myself to follow the person in case Stan loses the person."
"Let me come with you," Jim said.
Trixie shook her head. "You can’t, Jim. You need to drive Honey to the drop off and bring her back."
"Trixie," Jim said.
"Jim," Trixie said. "You have to do this. Honey is in no condition to drive."
"I’m worried, Trixie," Honey said. "What if something happens?"
"Nothing will." Trixie looked at her watch. "I need to get going. I’ll call you later."
"Be careful," Jim said.
"You too."
Trixie quickly hurried out of the room to her jeep. She hoped she was doing the right thing.
Chapter 14
An hour later, Trixie was sitting against the building where they had been watching the phone. She had changed into dirty clothes and was trying to blend in with the other people in the area. She had pulled her hair out of her ponytail and had it hanging loose around her face, hiding her features.
After a little while, she staggered to her feet and made her way to the door. She easily slipped inside and sat down on the stairs. She had seen Tad go into this building earlier and had a feeling he knew where Brian was. She hoped that with where she was sitting, she could see which room Tad came from. She hoped something would happen soon.
Footsteps coming down the hall caught her attention. She immediately recognized Tad in the dim light. His face was pale. He turned and looked down the hall before leaving.
Once the door was closed, Trixie got to her feet and moved to the room. She touched the knob. It turned easily in her hand. She pushed the door open. The room was dark. She stepped in and closed the door letting her eyes adjust. She pulled a flashlight out and turned it on. The room she was in looked like it was a living room.
Trixie turned around and saw two doors. One was opened and led to the bathroom. The other door was closed. Moving quietly, she stepped to the door and reached for the knob. She turned it and pushed the door open. There was a single light on in the room. From where she stood in the doorway, the room was empty.
A moan caught her attention.
Trixie stepped into the room and looked behind the door. She cried out a little seeing her brother tied to the bed. She quickly moved to him. His hands were tied above his head. His feet were tied to the bed frame. He stared at her for a moment, confused. Then he realized who she was.
Brian was pale and there was a gash on his forehead. She said as she reached for his mouth, "This may hurt."
Brian nodded and closed his eyes. Trixie pulled the tape off his mouth and he moaned again.
Trixie reached up and untied his hands. She took his hands and lowered them to his chest. He winced in pain at the movement. She moved to his legs and loosened the ropes.
"I’m so glad to see you," Trixie said looking at his face.
She shined the light on him trying to see where he was injured. Looking at his arms and legs, she realized he was just weak.
"How?" Brian got out.
"I just used my skills," Trixie said with a small smile. "But the actual explanation can wait. I need to get you to the hospital."
"You’re not going anywhere," a voice said behind her.
As she started to turn around, she was hit in the head. She blacked out.
To be continued...