rated *
The Case of the Stolen Book
By Niki
Part I
“Oh, jeepers!” Trixie exclaimed. “We finally get to go on a field trip and it’s only to the Sleepyside library.”
“Trixie, think of it this way, at least you won’t have any math homework,” her best friend Honey replied.
“Good point!” Trixie said with a laugh.
The Sleepyside library was having an exhibit on rare books. Trixie thought this was remarkable considering how small Sleepyside was. Most things simply went straight to New York City.
Trixie smiled thinking her birthday the following day and having no homework would be a good thing. She knew that when she got home, her eldest brother Brian would be home from college. She wished Jim would make it, but didn’t hold out a lot of hope. While Brian went to school in New York, Jim had ended up at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. It was too far away for a quick weekend. At least Dan and Mart would be there, perhaps for the last time as this was their final year in high school. The thought of them leaving saddened Trixie as she realized the Bob-Whites were growing apart.
“Miss. Belden...Care to join us?” Trixie awoke from her daydream with her English teacher, Mr. Pearson, staring down at her.
“Sorry,” she said as she gathered her books to get off the bus. She looked around for Honey who was deep in conversation with their other friend, Diana.
Both girls became quiet as Trixie walked up to them. “Why didn’t you tell me we were here?” she asked them.
“We did and then Mr. Pearson came up and told us to get off the bus,” Di said. “I’m sorry if you got in trouble.”
Before she could reply, their teacher called the class together and led them into the library.
Trixie followed behind her friends, noticing that Scott, a new boy at school, was staring at her. She couldn’t imagine why he would and quickly dismissed the thought and hurried to catch up to Honey and Di.
“Now class, we are here today to learn the importance of books. It’s also important to know what we can do to preserve them,” began Mr. Pearson. “To start with, you must not touch...”
At that point, Trixie tuned him out as all the books were in protective cases and while she knew they were important, she simply wanted to be done with the day and on her way home. Libraries were a great source for researching a case, but were otherwise pretty dull.
As the students walked around, Trixie noticed Scott approach her.
“Hi,” he said, “I heard it was your birthday and wanted to wish you a nice day.”
“Thanks,” Trixie responded, a bit stunned. Scott was very handsome in that tall and dark way. While that worked for some, she wasn’t sure what was going on.
“So, do you have any big plans for your special day?”
“My brother is coming home from college and my friends and I have normally have a small get together.”
“Maybe we could go out and celebrate your birthday next weekend?”
Unsure, she decided on the direct route. “Scott, are you asking me out on a date?”
“Y-yes,” he said nervously. “I’d like to go out with you.”
Honey watched the two talk, wondering what was going on. She hadn’t realize they were friends and wondered what Jim would think if he was seeing this. From her viewpoint, it looked like Scott was asking Trixie out, which made Honey very uncomfortable. Honey knew she might be meddling, but her best friend and brother belonged together (even if they did move slower than turtles) and decided to see what was going on. Besides, Trixie’s curiosity must be rubbing off on her.
Trixie, meanwhile, was trying to figure how to respond. She knew that technically she and Jim were not an item, but she was his ‘special girl,’ It had been a long time since he had given her the bracelet though. She was almost 17 years old and it would be nice to have some sort of social life. It bothered her that Jim wasn’t planning on coming in for her birthday, and she thought to herself that he was probably dating at school. If nothing else, it would be nice for him to be jealous for a change. Besides, from what she knew of Scott, he was sweet and very cute. “Ok,” she replied, “I’d like to go out with you.”
Before he could respond, Honey walked up. Still nervous, Scott smiled at Honey and then turned to Trixie telling her he’d call her over the weekend. He smiled as went to join his friends.
“What was that all about?” Honey asked
Wide-eyed, Trixie smiled as she looked at Honey telling her what Scott had said. “Can you believe that, Honey?”
Knowing Trixie so well, Honey knew that she wasn’t fishing for a compliment. At 16 almost 17, Trixie had grown into a lovely young lady. “Yes...you’re very pretty and most guys would love to go out with you. But Trixie, what about Jim?”
Trixie’s smile faded and a far off look came to her eyes. “Honey, you know better than anyone else the status of that relationship. It’s nothing. Over Christmas break he told Dan about some girl in his psychology class named Liz he thought was pretty. We’ve never gone on a date and besides one simply doesn’t find their soul mate at the age of 13. “
Honey didn’t know about any Liz. Whenever she asked Jim whom he was dating, he normally said that he wasn’t interested or he was too busy. Honey also found it interesting that Trixie had mentioned soul mates and Jim in the same sentence. Honey decided right then that she was going to have a long talk with one James Winthrop Frayne. “Trixie, is that what’s been bothering you lately? The idea that Jim might be dating someone?”
“Nothing is bothering me, Honey, I don’t know why people keep asking me that. I’m just tired and am ready for the weekend.” Well, that’s partly true, Trixie thought. “Look, we better start paying attention.”
While they turned back to join the rest of the class, Honey thought about Trixie and wondered what was really going on with her. She had become quiet lately, never joining in the B.W.G.’s normal rowdy lunch routine. Even Regan had pointed out that something was wrong with Trixie. She hadn’t been riding in days and they all knew she wouldn’t dare pass up a chance to cut Bobby-sitting time for being outdoors. No, something wasn’t right and she was going to find out was it was.
Trixie tried to pay attention to the librarian, Ms. Holmes, but she wasn’t having any luck. Ms. Holmes was nice enough, but she reminded Trixie of Mart, someone who just has to use a lot of big annoying vocabulary words. When she caught Mrs. Holmes commenting on a book written by the founder of England’s famous Scotland Yard, Sir Robert Peel, Trixie focused immediately. Wouldn’t she love to read his papers and find out how he became interested in detective work! “Ms. Holmes, how much would someone like that’s papers be worth?”
Before the librarian could reply, Mr. Pearson grabbed Trixie by the arm and swung her around to look at him. “Ms. Belden, that kind of question is entirely inappropriate and we will have no more talk about how much something is worth. You will see me in my classroom upon returning to school. “You will now apologize to the class and Ms. Holmes for your outburst.”
Biting back tears, she turned to Ms. Holmes and apologized. The librarian quickly said there was no need. She knew Trixie, and while she sometimes acted before thinking, this wasn’t one of them. Mrs. Holmes was happy if any student paid attention during her tour. She believed the teacher had overreacted, and planned to contact the school upon the class’s departure.
Stunned at their teacher’s outburst, Trixie’s classmates tried to give her encouraging smiles.
As they walked back to the bus, Honey approached Trixie but was cut off by Scott sliding up next to her. “Hey, don’t worry about Pearson, he totally overreacted and besides everyone knows he’s a total pain,” Scott said. Trixie smiled at him, which encouraged Scott to sit next to Trixie on the bus. Honey was disappointed and almost jealous that someone else was comforting Trixie when it should have been her. No, Honey thought, she didn’t like this Scott situation at all.
Trixie smiled at him, happy for his reassuring words. For the few minutes it took for the bus to carry everyone back to school, Scott asked Trixie about her life in Sleepyside. He had only moved to the town recently and enjoyed the stories he had heard about Trixie and her mysteries.
* * *
On the bus ride home, Trixie was silent as they drove down Glen Road. She looked out the window, lost in thought as she wondered about Mr. Pearson’s outburst when she had asked how much Peel’s book was worth. She didn’t think it was out of line. Shouldn’t a teacher want to encourage a student’s desire to learn more about books? That led her mind to Scott and how kind he had been telling her everything was ok. That thought made her miss Jim, even though she knew she shouldn’t. He was away at school, probably having the time of his life not giving a thought about her. Trixie closed her eyes as a headache begun to form. She needed a vacation, she decided.
Meanwhile, Dan was looking at Trixie, amazed at the motions playing across her face. Her face was an open book and it helped to make her very beautiful. The fact that she had grown several inches since last summer and filled out nicely didn’t hurt. She was wearing a blue shirt, and even he realized what a deep blue it turned her eyes. As he so often did, he wondered what life would be like had he met her before she met Jim. He looked at her and wondered what was going on in her head. She looked stressed and tired. Normal, he supposed, for a Friday afternoon, but it seemed something was off. Maybe her birthday celebration would help.
Trixie looked up, caught Dan staring at her and smiled to him. She was going to miss him when he was gone next year. He slid across the walkway.
“Hey, Trix. Are you feeling okay?" Dan asked.
"I'm fine," Trixie reassured him. "Just tired.”
“You know, I’m here if you ever need me.”
She widened her smile. “Thanks,” she replied as the bus reached his stop. As he got up to leave she said, “Why don’t you come home with us and hang for a while? Brian will be there. No wood to chop, you’ll have fun.”
He sat back down, waving to the bus driver to continue. “How could I say no to the birthday girl?” He squeezed her hand and received a smile.
Dan followed Mart and Trixie as they got off at their stop with Honey leaning out the window that she’d be down after she changed. Trixie waved to her while following the boys up the driveway.
“Moms, we’re home,” Mart yelled as he walked in the kitchen door.
“Thank you, Mart, no need to yell. Hello, Dan, how are you today?”
“I’m good, Mrs. Belden. Hope it’s okay, Trixie asked me over.”
“Dan, don’t be silly. You’re part of the family and welcomed anytime. I have snacks ready for you in the kitchen.”
“Thanks, Moms,” Mart said as he headed that way.
“Moms, have you heard from Brian?” Trixie asked her mother.
“Yes, your father is picking him up at the train station. He’ll be home in time for dinner.”
“Wonderful!” Trixie said as she went upstairs to change clothes.
By the time Trixie came down, Di was waiting for her at the kitchen table.
“Harrison dropped me off and took Bobby to play with Larry and Terry,” Diana began, “Honey said she had to make a call but would be down shortly.” Diana broke a cookie in half, keeping part for herself and giving Mart the other. She continued “I thought I might treat you all to a movie tonight at the Cameo. “
Mart looked at his girlfriend lovingly. He couldn’t believe how perfect she was. Cookies and a movie! He smiled.
“Sounds good to me,” Dan said. “I better call Mr. Maypenny and let him know I’ll be home late. Think I can stay for dinner?”
“Of course,” Mart said. “Moms always makes enough for the Bobwhites.”
Dan looked at Trixie who had been quiet since coming down. She was looking outside the large window. When he glanced out and saw nothing, he nudged her with his elbow.
Startled, she looked at him and realized a conversation was going on. “I’m sorry, what did I miss?”
Mart looked at her and tried to figure out what was on her mind. He actually hoped she had discovered a mystery. It had been a while and that always cheered her up. “My beautiful love was inviting us to a movie this evening, and since it’s your birthday, I’ll let you pick the show. Even if it’s a chick-flick.”
Dan whistled. “Take it, Trix, who knows when you might get this offer again.”
Trixie grinned. “Hmmm, I think that can be arranged.”
* * *
Saturday morning came with Trixie opening her eyes and blurting a quick, “Rabbit, Rabbit!”
“Jeepers, I hope that works and it’s not bad-luck to wish for two things,” Trixie mumbled.
She hadn’t slept well and the headache she had yesterday was still with her. She got up and walked to her window seat to look out, realizing she was now 17 years old and not happy with her world. Sure school was almost over for the year and she had surprisingly done well. She figured that if she made it through finals she would probably apply for early admission somewhere. While that was a positive, it was the here and now that made her frown. Her two best friends were dating her brothers, and, ick factor aside, she was happy for them. She was also very jealous. No, jealous wasn’t the right word she decided. That would imply she wanted to take away what they had, maybe envious was a better word. She wanted what they had. She sighed as she took note that Mart’s endless vocabulary was rubbing off on her. To top it off, she realized it had been months since she had solved a mystery. Maybe that was what troubled her.
Brian stood in Trixie’s doorway watching his sister. She looked so sad sitting there. Big brother mode kicked in when he realized he hadn’t really talked to her since Christmas.
“Happy Birthday, Trix” he said
She turned, smiled at him and got up to give him a hug. “Thanks, Brian. I’m glad you came home.”
“Me too. Even though the semester is almost over, I needed a Crabapple Farm fix. Moms sent me up to tell you breakfast is ready.” He paused before continuing. “Is everything ok?”
“Yes. I was just thinking. Tell Moms I’ll be right down,” she said as she walked into the bathroom.
Not knowing what else to do, he shrugged and walked downstairs, informing his family the birthday girl would be right down. “What’s the plan for today?” he asked.
Mart’s mouth was full of pancakes as he tried to respond with a muffled “clubhouse”.
“Martin, chew your food before you speak. I raised you better than that,” Moms scolded.
“Sorry, Moms,” Mart meekly replied. He took a sip of orange juice and then filled Brian in on the birthday celebration that afternoon. “The Wheelers cook is making Trixie a cake and we’re going to convene at the clubhouse around 10:00. Afterwards, Honey figured a horseback ride through the preserve and then home for a late lunch-slash-cookout. How does that sound?”
“Sounds good to me.” Brian responded. He took a bite of eggs. “Mart, have you noticed anything strange with Trixie...wait...before you respond, try and be serious for a moment?”
Mart was about to make a quick remark when he saw the concern in his brother’s eyes. “If you mean besides the fact that she’s actually spending more time studying than spying? I mean that in a depraved way. She spends her lunch hour at the library. She studies on the bus.” He thought for a second. “She doesn’t seem to laugh much either.”
Trixie and Bobby decided at that moment to walk into the dinning room, ending the conversation between the two brothers. No sooner had they sat down then Moms appeared with plates of food for them.
“Thanks, Moms,” Trixie said.
Mrs. Belden put the plate down, kissed Trixie on the head, and wished her a happy birthday.
Brian was sitting across from Trixie and took a minute to seriously look at her. She seemed to be in better spirits. Maybe she wasn’t fully awake when they spoke earlier. She looked good, wearing what could only be a new sweater from dear Aunt Alicia. At least Aunt Alicia’s attention to detail had improved. From where he sat, there wasn’t a ruffle or lace to be seen, but it was pink.
Trixie took that moment to look up and see Brian looking at her. Why was everyone always staring at her? “Do you want something, Bri?” she said sharply.
“No, no,” he said quickly. “I was just thinking about how much you’ve grown up.”
“That’s cause she’s old,” Bobby said laughing.
“Bobby, that’s not nice,” responded Moms.
“It’s ok, Moms, I know he’s kidding.” Trixie grinned at Bobby. Bobby was a constant in her life. He was 10 and she hoped he never changed. Well maybe a little, she thought.
The rest of the morning was spent on chores. Brian had offered to help Trixie with hers and was currently dusting the family room when Mart announced that it was time to head to the clubhouse.
“Thank goodness,” Brian mumbled. “No wonder Trixie always complained about dusting. Ever piece of furniture has dust on it.”
“Talking to yourself?” Trixie asked her brother “Not a good sign.”
“I was just thinking how much furniture our parents own and all the dust.”
Trixie laughed as she walked out the kitchen door.
A few minutes later, six out of the seven Bob-Whites were gathered around the clubhouse conference table ready to celebrate Trixie’s birthday. Jim was the only one missing and after blowing out the candles, the numerous glances Trixie made to his chair let everyone know what she wished for. Honey was particularly pleased to see it. She had worried about Scott and Trixie’s interest in him. Not that she could blame her, Scott was pretty cute.
“I think you should open my gift first,” Honey said as she walked to the door.
Trixie looked perplexed as the door opened and Jim stood in the opening.
“Jim!” she cried as she leaped up to hug him.
“Hey Shamus, I couldn’t miss your birthday now could I?” Jim asked as he returned the hug. He held onto her as it was rare that he got to hold her and loved the feel of her next to him.
Trixie was so happy and before she could stop it, a tear fell from her eye. Jim looked down, saw the tear and hugged her tighter. He then planted a kiss on her forehead.
Trixie smiled at him. Realizing her arms were still around him, she blushed as she stepped back. “What are you doing here? I thought you had exams next week and couldn’t waste the time to come up here.”
“It’s not a waste...”
“Can we pursue this conversation later? This cake needs immediate reduction in magnitude,” Mart interrupted as he reached for the knife to cut the cake. He plopped the first piece on a paper plate and placed it in front of Trixie’s seat. He then proceeded to get an even larger slice for himself.
“Mart, I’ll take care of the cake. Your piece alone is big enough for three people.” Diana said.
After the cake had been eaten and presents opened, the discussion moved to what was new in everybody’s life.
Mart took the lead by announcing his plans for the following year. “I’ve changed my mind. Next fall I will be attending New York University working towards a degree in journalism.“ When he saw that everybody was shocked to his satisfaction he continued. “I entered a writing competition...I didn’t tell anyone in case I didn’t win, but I ended up with first place and a full scholarship to NYU. “
Congratulations were given. Brian patted Mart on the back while Trixie got up to give him a hug.
“Dan, what are your plans next year?” Brian asked.
“I’m going to stay in Sleepyside and attend the local community college. You know how it is, get some of the basics out of the way before I head to NYU.”
“Dan!” Trixie said happily. “You’re going to be here for another year?”
“Yeah, someone has to keep an eye on you girls.”
Jim saw the look Dan gave Trixie and wondered what was going on. As he tuned Dan out he looked at Trixie. He knew she hated pink, but the sweater she was wearing brought out the color in her cheeks. She looked happy. They had known each other for almost four years and as much as he liked Dan, he couldn’t, or rather didn’t, want to imagine those two together. As soon as Dan stopped talking, Jim quickly stepped into the conversation.
“Trixie, how about we leave the group to clean up and take a leisurely walk to the stables?” Jim asked.
“Oh, okay,” Trixie said hesitantly, figuring that this would cause unnecessary gossip among the remaining Bob-Whites.
“Leave your presents here and we’ll get them after we go riding,” Honey suggested.
Trixie nodded as Jim took her hand and they left the clubhouse. Since the walk to the stables was short, Jim decided to take his time. As they continued slowly on the path, he was surprised when Trixie made no movement to withdraw her hand from his.
The silence was too unbearable to Trixie and she tried to figure out what to say that wouldn’t sound foolish and certainly not childish. She sighed and took a deep breath, nothing like the truth.
“Jim, why did you come home for my birthday? When I last received an e-mail from you, two weeks ago, you said you’d be too busy.”
Jim stopped walking and was quiet for a moment, not sure what direction to take this conversation. He squeezed her hand. He absolutely adored Trixie and he couldn’t imagine his life without her. His heart told him to simply tell her how he felt about her, while his head was telling him that she’s young, still in high school, and he currently lived too far away. He looked down into her blue eyes, he could have sworn they were looking straight into his soul. They were so beautiful. She was so beautiful. Should he tell her that Honey called him last night? That Honey had told him that HIS beautiful Trixie was upset and he was the cause? Or should he tell her, that when he found out some guy had asked her out he panicked. He didn’t want to lose her; he had lost too much as it was. He focused on her hands interlocked with his own.
“I love you,” he said simply and quietly. He hadn’t meant to say it, but his feelings were too big to be kept in. Afterward, he somehow felt better. No matter what, at least it was out there.
Trixie didn’t think she could be any more shocked. “What?” She looked into his green eyes, wishing she knew what he was thinking or, more importantly, what to say.
“I’m in love with you, I have been since you first tripped over me.”
She tilted her head. “You wanted to shoot me the first time we met.”
“Only for a moment.” He smiled then sighed. This wasn’t how it was suppose to go. When he dreamt about telling Trixie that he loved her, it wasn’t followed by a blank stare. He had hoped for a more romantic response.
Any further talk was impossible, as their fellow B.W.G’s turned the corner. Jim murmured an impolite comment as he heard Mart call out their names.
“Can we talk later?” Jim asked Trixie quietly.
When she looked up at him, he saw the old sparkle return in her eye as she said please and gave his hand a squeeze.
They spent the rest of the afternoon riding around the preserve, laughing and joking about really nothing at all. While Brian was filling everybody in on his roommate’s night out, Trixie took a long look at Jim. He was perfect. She wasn’t, but was closer with him around. As though he knew she was thinking of him, he turned to face her, providing a wink. When Trixie smiled back at him, Honey watched the interaction and grinned, feeling very pleased with herself.
While Trixie felt she could ride all day, Mart had other ideas, informing the others a cookout needed to be started.
“Mart, never change,” Jim said to him as they turned the horses down the path that would take them back to the stables.
Di giggled. “Jim, isn’t it nice to know that some things are a constant?”
“True, true.”
As the Bob-Whites began grooming the horses, Trixie looked around and realized how lucky she was to have all the Bob-Whites together again. She had needed them and here they were. She smiled, content with the world.
Regan appeared at that moment. “I’ll be glad when summer comes and these horses can get a little more exercise.” Looking at Brian and Jim “You boy’s planning on being here this summer?”
Brain responded first. “Yep. I’m going to work at the Sleepyside hospital four mornings a week.”
Jim caught Trixie’s eye. “I’ll be here too.”
Regan left the stalls with a “It’ll be good to have all you Bob-Whites back together again.” Trixie smiled both at Jim and at Regan’s statement.
As the group walked down to the Belden’s house, Dan was quick to put his arm around Trixie.
Jim fell behind, watching the group walk away. Honey lagged behind to walk with Jim.
“I’m glad you’re here," she said as she wrapped an arm around Jim’s waist.
“Mmmm,” Jim answered noncommittally while keeping an eye on the group ahead. He looked down at Honey and smiled. “I’m glad I’m here, too. I wish I could come home more often.”
“Well, you’re here now and that’s what is important.”
“Maybe. Hey, Honey, is there something I should know about concerning Trixie and Dan?”
Honey looked at the group ahead. She narrowed her eyes, “I don’t think so. They’ve been spending a lot of time together.”
“Really?”
“Trixie’s taken up running and Dan goes with her most days. Otherwise, you know the Bob-Whites, we stick together.”
“Yes,” Jim said as they approached the Belden’s home.
“Jim, what a wonderful surprise!” Mrs. Belden exclaimed as she gave him a hug. “We didn’t know you were going to be here.”
“I wanted to surprise Trixie and lucked out with a last minute ticket.”
“I’m sure it was a wonderful surprise,” she said as she smiled.
“Moms, is the food almost ready? I’m starved!” Mart called out.
“Oh Mart,” his mother laughed, “go see if you can help your father.”
Turning back to Honey and Jim, “Now you two, hurry up and join the group.”
“Do you need any help Mrs. Belden?” Honey asked.
“No, thank you. I have it all under control.”
Honey and Jim followed the group to tables that had been placed under an old crabapple tree.
Honey saw that Trixie was sitting in between Diana and Dan. She was able to get Di’s attention and gave a quick nod towards Jim.
“Oh darn, I think I spilled some lemonade on my dress. Honey, will you help me?” She said as she stood up. “Jim, would you save my seat...and please make sure there is food left when we get back.”
As Diana passed Jim, he gave her a slight squeeze on her elbow. A ‘thank you’ of sorts.
Jim sat down next to Trixie. “Have I missed anything?”
“Not really,” Trixie said looking at him. With a smile she added, “I was telling Brian about a school trip we took yesterday to the library.”
“Jim, you’ll appreciate this. My sister was telling me earlier that there hasn’t been a mystery all semester,” Brian said as he reached for a hamburger.
Knowing how Trixie felt about mysteries, Jim decided to help his situation with her. “Actually, knowing how much she loves mysteries and how good she is at them, I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
Trixie looked at Jim with surprise in her eyes. “Thanks.”
The afternoon continued lazily with Di grabbing Mart’s hand saying, “I hate to do this, but I’m exhausted. Mart, will you walk me home?”
“Sure thing, sweetie.”
Di reached over to hug Trixie. “Happy Birthday. See you all tomorrow.” With a wave to the group, she and Mart were off.
“Honey, stay the night,” Trixie said as the remaining Bob-Whites headed indoors.
“Ok, I need to call Miss Trask to make sure.”
Trixie looked at Jim, “Oh, I’m sorry Honey. I didn’t think about the fact that you might want to see Jim.”
Jim laughed. “It’s fine. It’ll give me a chance to see my parents. I’ll come down first thing tomorrow and see the both of you.”
Turning to Jim and Dan, Brian continued, “Why don’t the both of you stay and watch a movie?”
Dan quickly answered with a “sounds good to me.”
The rest of the evening was spent watching an old Jimmy Stewart movie. Neither Jim nor Trixie were alone and able to bring up his confession. With Dan on one side and Jim on the other, Trixie giggled at one point feeling like a sandwich.
* * *
The next morning, just as Trixie and Honey made their way down the stairs, Mr. Belden opened the Sunday newspaper.
“Listen to this,” Trixie’s father said as he read the paper. “Seems a rare book was stolen from the library last night.”
“That’s horrible!” Trixie exclaimed. “Dad, does it say which one?”
“Some papers by a man named Peel,” he replied.
“Hmmmm, that’s the same one Mr. Pearson was unhappy about when I acted interested in it.”
As he put down the paper, Mr. Belden informed his daughter that she was not to investigate this. “Trixie, anyone who could break into the library had to be a professional, and you need to concentrate on school.”
Without saying anything, Trixie looked over at Honey and smiled.
Her father shook his head and went back to the paper.
“What do you girls have planned for this afternoon?” asked Moms.
Seeing Trixie’s mouth full with breakfast, Honey answered. “I think we were planning to go into town, catch a movie, and have lunch at Wimpys.”
“I still have homework to do so I’ll need to be home early,” Trixie commented.
Brian couldn’t help but notice that Trixie didn’t sigh or even flinch when she mentioned homework. Guess Mart was right about her finally taking her studies seriously, he thought. “How are classes going?”
“Just fine,” Trixie said noncommittally.
“Don’t listen to her, she’s doing better than fine,” Honey corrected Trixie. “If I’m not mistaken she has an A in every class.”
“Really? Good job, honey,” Mr. Belden.
“It’s not quite true, I have a B+ in Chemistry.”
Their discussion was interrupted by a knock at the kitchen door and Bobby jumped up to open it. In walked Jim and Dan with a ‘Good morning’ and a wave to the Belden family.
“Morning, boys. Have a seat and let me get you some breakfast,” Mrs. Belden said.
Although they had both eaten, they knew better than to pass up any cooking of Mrs. Belden’s and promptly sat down.
“Did we interrupt something?” asked Dan.
“No,” Trixie said.
“Yes,” Brian said ignoring the look on Trixie’s face. “I was discovering that my sister has hidden talent for the educational system.”
Mart added “See, Bri. What did I tell you?”
“I think we missed something,” Jim commented to Dan.
Trixie rolled her eyes and looked at Honey for help. Honey in turn looked at Brian who then looked at Mart. Mart being clueless decided to fill Jim and Dan in on the discussion,
“Trix, that’s great,” Dan said with a smile.
Trixie looked at Jim expecting some sort of comment, but he was trying to keep his focus on the breakfast plate Mrs. Belden had placed in front of him. Trixie didn’t know if that was good or bad. She wanted to know what he was thinking. She realized that one reason she had been working so hard on her schoolwork was to make Jim proud of her. She wanted to show him how she had grown from that 9th grader who needed math help on Christmas break.
“Mrs. B, you are the best cook out there!” Dan exclaimed as he took another bite of his pancakes. Trixie looked uncomfortable and he figured that would be a good way to change the subject.
As the group finished breakfast, the discussion turned to the rest of the day.
“Well, I need to catch the 3:30 train to the city,” Brian said.
“No, so soon?” Trixie asked. She looked over at Honey and could tell she wasn’t the only one disappointed.
Brain, sensing the girl’s unhappiness and only a little too pleased that it was from both and not only his sister continued. “Yes, I have exams starting next Wednesday. However, I should return home for good by May 15. Only two more weeks.”
“Lucky, I wish we got out of school so soon. Your summer break will be half over by the time we’re out of school.” Trixie mumbled.
“Not quite Trixie, we’ll still have time for us all to be together,” Brian said with a smile as he reached across the table to give her arm a squeeze. “I can still go into town with you and continue with the birthday weekend.”
Bobby decided he was bored and announced to the world that he was going to watch cartoons.
“Come on son, I’ll watch whatever you pick out,” Mr. Belden said as he helped Bobby carry plates into the kitchen.
“Cool,” Bobby said as he gathered Trixie’s plate.
“I need to run up to the clubhouse. I forgot to go back after riding and would like to get my presents,” Trixie said as she stood up.
“I need to get something from home, I’ll walk with you Trix,” Jim said
“I want to tell my uncle something, mind if I tag along?” Dan asked.
“Not at all,” Trixie replied.
Jim thought otherwise and tried to catch Trixie’s eye. When she finally looked up she could tell Jim was not happy about Dan’s tagging along. But what could she have done? She gave Jim, what she hoped was an encouraging smile.
As the three left the farmhouse, Honey giggled.
“What’s so funny?” Brian asked.
“Jim and Dan vying for Trixie’s attention. And they’re all so clueless.”
“Jim...Dan...interested in Trixie? How did I miss that?”
“Beats me, it’s pretty clear to anyone watching.”
“Mart, did you know about this?” Brian asked his brother.
“I choose to stay out of this conversation,” he said as he reached for his mom’s car keys. “I’m going to get Diana, be back soon.”
“I’m going to help your mom with the dishes,” Honey said with a laugh when she saw the confused look on Brian’s face.
* * *
Early Monday morning, Jim’s alarm went off.
“Uggg,” he said as he slapped the sleep button.
“Jim!” he heard a voice call out as he turned back into his pillow.
“Uggg.” He was having a very nice dream involving a curly headed blond and wanted to get back to it.
“Jim,” Honey said a bit more firmly. “Time to get up. You said you’d drive us to school.” Seeing no movement, she pulled out the big draw. ”Don’t you want to see Trixie?”
That did it. Jim grumbled as he got up, but he knew he wasn’t going to miss a moment with Trixie. Who knows, maybe he would finally get a chance to finish their conversation. As he went to brush his teeth, he wondered what it would be like to be around Trixie without five other people.
The last thing Trixie heard as she ran out the door was her mom yelling, “Trixie, you need to eat breakfast!”
“I’ll grab something at school!” Trixie responded as she hurried down the steps and into the Wheelers' car.
She saw Di and Honey in the back seat, thus leaving the front seat open. Trixie opened the front door and sat next to Jim.
“Morning, Trixie,” Honey said cheerily.
Trixie looked back with a ‘I know what you’re trying to do look’ and wished her and Jim good morning.
Jim pulled up in front of the school. While Di and Honey got out, Jim tugged on Trixie’s shirt to stay.
“Are you avoiding me, Trix?”
Trixie was quiet for a moment, then answered him honestly. “Jim, I’m just a little nervous and I’ve never felt nervous around you before, so I’m not quite sure how to act.”
“Trix, if it really bothers you, why don’t you forget what I said by the stables and we’ll go back to just being friends.”
Trixie quietly responded, “Do you want that?” She hesitantly added, “Because I’d rather you didn’t.”
Jim looked hopefully at Trixie who smiled bashfully back at him.
Meanwhile, across the schoolyard, Scott was asking Nick Roberts who the redheaded guy was.
Nick looked at the car. “That’s Jim, Honey’s brother. He graduated a couple of years ago with Trixie’s brother Brian.”
“I’ve heard about him, he was pretty much the all American kid, right?”
“Yeah, he played just about every sport, and helped the school win all those championships. He’s a real cool guy. Smart. Lot of fun. He goes to school out of state, must have come in for Trixie’s birthday.”
“Honey’s brother flew in for his sister’s best friend’s birthday?” Scott asked doubtfully.
“Nah, it’s more than that. He and Trixie used to be an item of sorts. Went to all the dances together and stuff. Plus he’s a member of their club.”
Scott wondered why Trixie would agree to go out with him if she was seeing someone else. “Think they are still together?” he asked Nick.
He glanced over at the car in time to see Jim pull at a stray curl of Trixie’s. “Looks like it, but she hasn’t mentioned him in a while. I’m sure they’re still friends.” Nick looked over at Scott “You interested in her?”
Not taking his eyes off the car, he responded with a quick nod of his head.
“Be careful, man, you do not want to mess with Jim.”
Scott grunted as he started walking to the car.
As Jim tugged at a stay curl, Trixie let out the breath she had been holding in. “I better get going. After Friday’s class, I don’t need Mr. Pearson on my back. See you at lunch?” she asked with a smile.
He smiled back. “Yes, I’ll be here at noon sharp to take the B.W.G.’s to lunch. Now go, before you’re late.”
Trixie wrinkled her nose at him as she got out of the car.
When she turned around to head into school she saw Scott coming her way.
“Oh, gleeps. What do I do now?” she asked herself as she walked over to join Scott.
“Hey Trixie, how was your weekend?” he asked when he got closer.
The way Scott was looking at Trixie caused Jim to worry. That must be the guy Honey warned him about. Jim wondered if he was the reason Trixie didn’t respond to his confession of love. He gave a honk of his horn to let Trixie know he was leaving.
Trixie turned with a wave as he left the parking lot.
“Who was that?” Scott asked
“Jim, Honey’s brother.” Trixie did not want to continue talking about Jim and switched topics. “How was your weekend?”
While he did notice the quick change of subject, he went along with it. “It was good, helped my dad with yard work.” Knowing she liked mysteries, he asked her if she had heard about the library being robbed.
“Yes, isn’t it exciting?” She lowered her voice and confided in him, “Can I trust you to keep a secret? I think Mr. Pearson stole it.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Just a hunch; but for the most part, my hunches are normally right,” Trixie responded with a wink.
As the first bell rang, Trixie left Scott to catch up with Honey.
“Where’s Di?” she asked.
Having seen Trixie with both Jim and Scott, Honey raised an eyebrow. “She went to find Mart. What did you and Jim talk about?”
“He’s picking up the B.W.G.’s at noon. Isn’t it great that we’re able to leave campus for lunch? Just another perk of being a junior with only one-month of school left!” Trixie continued to ramble on as they met up with Di before walking into English class.
During their study period, the girls decided to do a little research in the library. On the way there, Scott hurried to catch up to them.
“Did you hear that Pearson is planning on leaving Sleepyside at the end of the year?” Scott asked Trixie.
“No, how you’d hear that?”
“I was in the office dropping off some papers for Mrs. Wilson’s class when I heard the secretary discussing it another English teacher. I think they were surprised by it.” No point in mentioning he had been asking fellow students what they thought about Mr. Pearson.
As Trixie continued walking she tried to figure out why Pearson would be leaving. With a snap of her fingers, she announced “That’s it! Now that he has his book, there’s no reason for him to stay in Sleepyside.”
She decided the first course of action was to look up the rare book exhibit. Sleepyside couldn’t be the only place it was heading. She sat down at the computer, “Honey, could you imagine what life would be like had we lived in the 50’s? No Internet. How hard it must have been to do research!”
“It would be difficult but people managed. How about I give it a try?”
Knowing Honey had more patience and wanted to contribute, Trixie reluctantly moved her chair over.
Honey began by adding a few search words to discover the exhibit’s path. “Hmmm, lets see. Three months ago it was in Baldwinsville, New Jersey; before that Hershey, Pennsylvania; last month it was in Browning, Vermont.” Deciding there was no place like the beginning, she typed in “Baldwinsville, New Jersey” and “Book” and started reading the local paper. “Goodness,” she murmured, “a book was stolen from there too.” She read the newspaper article on it and discovered the book was worth an estimated $100,000.00. She then moved on to Hershey, Pennsylvania where she discovered the same thing. This time the book had been worth $250,000.00. She looked at the path of the exhibit and following Sleepyside, it was moving to some town in Illinois and then Ohio.
“We need to find where Mr. Pearson taught before he came to Sleepyside,” Trixie said.
“Trixie, how do you know Mr. Pearson is guilty?” Honey asked.
“Just a feeling. Di, you work in the office 5th period, don’t you?”
“Why am I not going to like this?” Di responded as she stood and started walking to the school’s parking lot.
“Well, I was thinking you could do a little snooping and take a look at his file.”
Di looked at Trixie and Honey a little panicked. She took a deep breath “I’ll try, but no guarantees.”
“What ‘no guarantees’ sweetie?” Mart asked as he walked up behind Di, placing his arm around her waist.
“We were talking about a project at school. Nothing big,” Trixie said quickly.
Dan walked up just as Jim drove into the lot and the Bob-Whites got in the car.
Soon they were at Wimpy's and were able to give their usual order to Mike.
“Hey, Jim, when does your plane leave?” Dan asked.
“As soon as I drop you guys off, I’m headed home to meet Tom who will drive me to the airport.”
“Will you be back soon?” Trixie asked, hopeful.
Jim turned to look at her with great interest. Under the table he grabbed her hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “I’m lucky that I only have one formal exam. My other classes required papers and I’m basically done with those. So I should be home next week sometime.”
They quickly devoured their meal and hurried back to the car.
As Jim dropped the group back at school, Trixie waited until everyone was out before turning to Jim.
“Jim” “Trix” they both said at the same time.
“You first, Jim.”
“I was wondering if we could go out on an actual date with no other Bob-Whites, or little brothers when I come home for the summer.”
“Jim, I think that would be perfectly perfect!” Trixie said with a huge smile on her face. She then noticed that his eyes had taken on a deeper green and he looked serious. She thought her heart couldn’t beat any faster and hoped that the look in his eye meant something good.
Jim leaned in and softly brushed his lips on hers.
At that moment, Trixie and Jim heard cheers and clapping as the fellow Bob-Whites gathered around the driver’s side window, peering in.
Jim leaned is his head towards Trixie and quietly said, “You’ve got to be kidding me. Are we ever going to have any privacy?” He then looked up at Trixie whose cheeks were flushed with embarrassment.
“I’m a detective, I know all their secrets. Payback will be brutal,” Trixie responded, causing Jim to laugh.
“Take care, Trixie. I’ll give you a call when I know I’m heading back home.”
“No, why don’t you call me when you get back to Virginia? Then I’ll know you’re safe,” Trixie said as she got out of the car.
Laughing, he agreed and then gave a wave to the other Bob-Whites and drove off.
Trixie stood there with her arms crossed staring at her friends. At first she was angry with them, but decided that at least she didn’t have to be apprehensive when she told the girls that she kissed Jim for the first time. Wow, she thought, I just kissed Jim. Silently she screamed “YES!”
Honey and Di walked over to her, placing their arms through hers.
“Come on, we’ll be late to French class,” Di said.
Trixie decided to ignore the grin on Mart’s face and the astonishment on Dan’s as she followed her girlfriends into class.
By Thursday evening, Trixie was frustrated with the direction the case was going, or rather the lack of direction. She sat on the dock with her feet dangling in the Wheelers Lake. At the moment, this was the one quiet spot she could find. As she watched a fish swim by, Trixie thought about the last few days. Diana had yet to get information on Mr. Pearson. Trixie knew it was no fault of Di’s and needed to figure out another way to get information. She had tried questioning the English teacher herself and had only received a firm ‘Sit down, Ms. Belden.’
Sighing, she decided that she still had homework to do, and perhaps that would help take things off her mind. She stood up, wiping her jeans to remove any dirt, and quickly made her way home.
She called out to let her parents know she was home and sat down at the kitchen table. Figuring math would require the most concentration, she opened up her notebook.
When the phone started ringing in the background, Trixie was brought out of her trance and realized she had yet to finish a single problem of her math homework. “Gleeps, I need to concentrate,” she mumbled just as Mart stuck his head in the kitchen to let his sister know she had a phone call.
“Who is it?” She asked, hoping it was Jim.
“It’s not who you think, dear sibling. Some guy named Scott.”
“Oh dear, I don’t suppose you could take a message for me?”
Mart looked at Trixie and thought of several things he could tease her about at that moment. And finally concluded that this might be the time to work on a better relationship with her, “Ok”.
Relaxed, Trixie smiled at him and turned back to her schoolbooks.
Mart returned a few minutes later to his sister with her head resting on a bent elbow as she looked out the window. “He said he would catch up with you tomorrow. I get the impression he wanted to ask you out. All the boys seem to be after you.”
“HAHA, Mart” Trixie said sarcastically. “Actually, I could use some advice.”
Surprised and curious, Mart sat down to listen to his sister.
“Promise, you will not tease me.” Seeing him nod his head, “last week before my birthday, Scott asked me out.” Trixie waited to see if he laughed, when nothing came, she continued. “It was the day of the fieldtrip. When I asked the librarian a question, Mr. Pearson scolded me in front of the classroom. Afterwards, Scott was great and he really cheered me up. Then Jim comes to visit and well, you know about that situation.”
“No, not really. What is going on between you and Jim?” he asked
“Well, he kissed me, as you and everybody saw.” Trixie frowned at him. “Anyway, he asked me if I would be interested on going on an actual date with him.” She paused, “just him and me” she stressed. She hesitated on how much to tell him. “He also told me he loved me.”
Mart was impressed with Jim. He honestly didn’t think the boy had it in him. “What did you say when he told you?”
“Actually, I didn’t get a chance to answer him as you and the other Bob-Whites chose that moment to join us.
“Ahh, that would explain the look of hatred Mr. Frayne displayed to us. Well, how do you feel about him?”
Trixie thought for a moment. Her voice became very quiet, “I can honestly say I can’t imagine my life without him. That, when he’s around I feel like I can do anything, that it’s almost as if he helps to complete me.” When Mart didn’t comment, she continued. “When he told me he loved me, I was scared. I’m not really sure why. Guess it was just too powerful, does that make sense?”
Mart let out a low whistle. He had no idea his sister could feel that way about anyone, though it figures that it would be Jim. In truth he never considered that his sister could feel that way. She may only be 11 months younger, but she was still his little sister. So what if his girlfriend was the same age? It was totally different.
“Trixie, I think you need to have a talk with Jim. Knowing him like I do, nothing would make him happier than hearing how you feel.”
“Maybe. I think I need to understand what I’m feeling first.”
Not wanting to press the issue, he brought up the phone call. “What about Scott?”
“Mart, that’s where I need to advice. He asked me out for my birthday. As you know, we had plans and I promised to go out with him another weekend. That was before Jim. I don’t want to hurt his feelings. He’s so supportive of me, and has been trying to help me figure out how and why Pearson is stealing books.”
“Trix, you can’t lead him on. Just be honest and tell him you have some things to work out with Jim.
“Think it’ll be that easy?”
“No, but you have to do it.”
“I know. Thanks for listening Mart, I really appreciate it.”
“No problem, that’s what brothers are for. Trix, you know you can come to me anytime for anything. Right?”
“Yeah, thanks. I better get back to the books. No need to let things slip with only a month of school left.”
Mart got up, squeezed his sister’s shoulder and went to grab a cookie out of the jar. He then walked back into the family room, leaving Trixie to her books.
Trixie somehow felt better, and decided she really should focus on finishing her homework. Maybe, she thought, if I can ever get through these problems, I can check out what’s new on the Lucy board. With a smile she attacked her homework.
* * *
Friday afternoon, at the end of 6th period, Trixie and Diana gathered their science books. They met up in the hallway. Trixie and Diana gathered their science books and met up in the hallway, and just before they separated to go to their final class, Diana quietly whispered, “Trixie, to quote you, I think the B.W.G.’s need to hold an emergency meeting after school.” She then turned and headed for her Drama class.
“What? No fair!” Trixie called out to Di’s retreating back. Mumbling, Trixie turned and ran directly into Scott.
“Sorry”.
“My fault, I was watching where I was going and still managed to get in your way,” he replied. “I tried calling you last night. I was wondering if you’d like to go out tomorrow night for your birthday?”
Taking a deep breath, she began “Sorry, I didn’t return your phone call, I was swamped with school work.” She paused. “Scott, I really appreciate you asking me out, however, I’m not sure, but I think my dating situation has changed since last week and I don’t think it would be fair to go out with you.”
“Oh,” He figured it was due to the reappearance of Honey’s brother. “I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with you and helping you with your mystery this past week. Think we could keep up the friendship?” He knew he was being honest, and besides, if things didn’t work with this Jim guy, he wanted to be nearby and ready.
“I’d like that, Scott. I need to get to photography. Talk to you later?”
“Yeah, I’ll call you sometime this weekend and we can discuss what the latest is, concerning the case. Sound good?”
“Perfectly perfect. Talk to you later,” Trixie said as she hurried to class. ‘That wasn’t so bad' she thought, ‘I’ll have to tell Mart’. The bell rang just as she passed through her class’ doorway.
As Trixie walked into her last class, her thoughts returned to Diana’s message. Any other thoughts disappeared as she walked into the school’s darkroom. Photography had turned out to be her favorite class and she loved developing pictures, a useful skill to have as a detective.
Mart had driven to school that morning and was waiting beside the car when the school bell rang.
“It took you long enough,” He said as the girls walked up.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say,” Diana informed him.
Taking Diana’s hand he proclaimed, “You’re my beautiful girl and I’d wait forever for you to join me.” He then lifted her hand and pressed his lips to it.
Di giggled as Honey rolled her eyes at Trixie.
“I’d be careful Honey, “Trixie whispered. “You act the same way when Brian’s around.”
Honey responded with a gentle shove. “Your turn will come, Miss Belden.”
Dan strolled up a minute later and the four got in the car and headed home.
“So, Di, are you going to tell me the subject matter of the next Bob-White meeting?” Trixie asked
“What? Did I miss the announcement of a Bob-White meeting?” Dan asked Trixie.
“No, this one was called by Miss Diana shortly before 7th period,” Trixie answered.
“That means we have to wait until we’re at the clubhouse. Which, I think, hasn’t been used nearly enough since Jim and Brian went away,” Diana said as she turned to face Trixie who was sitting in the seat directly behind her.
“Spoilsport,” muttered Trixie as she crossed her arms.
After depositing Di and Honey at their homes to change clothes, it was agreed they would meet at the clubhouse in thirty minutes.
Mart then drove to the farmhouse where he, Dan and Trixie got out.
Trixie ran upstairs to change into jeans and a sweater. Deciding she had time to kill, she walked over to her desk and booted up her laptop. While technically, it belonged to both her and Mart, over the last week she had managed to keep it in her room. She opened up her e-mail and was delighted to discover a note from Jim. She smiled as she sat down to read it.
She was still sitting there, re-reading it for the fourth time when Mart knocked on her door.
Opening the door Mart inquired, “Trix, what’s taking so long? Moms made some oatmeal cookies and there’s only a couple left, so hurry up.”
“I’ll be right down, just need to respond to this e-mail,” she said as she began typing.
“Never, did I think I would see Trixie Belden, the original school girl shamus, delay a mystery for an e-mail. I hope Jim knows how lucky he is.”
“Who said it was from Jim?” She looked up and asked her brother.
“Just a guess from that silly grin on your face. Hurry up.” He closed the door and walked down the stairs shaking his head. ‘Who would ever have thought it.’
He walked down the stairs and headed for the kitchen. “Moms, Trixie will be right down. She’s sending an e-mail to Jim.”
Mart went to join Dan outside. “My sister, is up stairs writing an e-mail to Jim, while Di sits in the clubhouse with a clue to a mystery. Something about this situation doesn’t feel right.”
“When did things develop between her and Frayne?”
“About four years ago, when I was away at summer camp.”
Dan nodded his head and, not for the first time, wished he had arrived in Sleepyside before Jim.
“Why are you boys just sitting here? There’s a mystery to be solved!” Trixie cried out as she hopped down the steps and took off for the clubhouse.
“Now, that’s the Trixie we know and love,” Mart said as he and Dan hurried to catch up with her.
By the time the Beldens and Dan arrived for their meeting, Diana and Honey had already opened the windows and had placed cookies and lemonade on the table.
“Took you long enough,” Honey said as she scolded the late arrivals.
“My fault. I had something to do,” Trixie said as she grabbed a handful of cookies. “So, Di, what’s your news?’
“Mrs. Bates, the school secretary, was out today and the temp had no idea how to do anything. Well, I was able to make copies of Mr. Pearson’s employment records.” Di then handed Trixie some Xerox papers.
“Diana Lynch, you are wonderful!” Trixie said as she got up to hug Di and take a look at the paperwork.
Everyone was silent for a few minutes while Trixie read aloud “Ok, before this he worked in Hershey, Pennsylvania but not Baldinsville. Hmmm, it could be a coincidence, but I don’t think so. Good work Di!”
Mart placed his arm around Di’s waist and gave her a squeeze.
“Now what do we do?” Dan asked.
“The only thing I can think of is to get a copy of Mr. Pearson fingerprints and take them along with all our research to Captain Molinson.” Trixie exclaimed
“I’m sorry, do my ears deceive me? Did my little sister just announce she was going to Molinson for help?” Mart asked.
Honey came to Trixie’s defense. “Mart, don’t tease you sister. I think this is a good way to show Molinson that she needs to be taken serious as a detective.”
Trixie looked gratefully at Honey, but said, “You’re wrong Honey. This is a great way to show Cpt. Molinson that the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency needs to be taken seriously.”
“I agree,” said Di and Dan in unison causing everyone to laugh.
“Ok. Ok. What can I do to help?” Mart asked
“Well, since you’re on the school paper, why don’t you ask him for an interview?” Trixie suggested.
“Hmmm, I get it!” Mart said with a snap of his fingers. “A farewell article. Good, excellent. I’ll be able to see what dirt I can get,” Mart said. “I’ll find him Monday before school. Trixie, why don’t you come and use your photographic skills on him? We can tie that to the story.”
“He may not talk if I’m around,” she responded.
“Why don’t you plan to show up 15 minutes after Mart gets started, then, if he says no, at least you’ll get some information,” Honey piped in.
“Honey, you’re awesome!” Trixie said smiling at her best friend. “I guess we should get to school about 7:30. Anyone else want to come?”
“Too early for me,” Di said with agreement from Honey.
“What about you Dan?”
He looked into Trixie’s blue eyes and was happy to see them sparkle once again. “I’ll be up anyway. Count me in.”
“Now, what do we have planned for the rest of the weekend?” Mart asked the group as he reached for another cookie.
“Mart,” Dan began, “how DO you eat so much? Aren’t you ever full?”
Mart answered by grabbing another cookie and shaking his head.
Honey laughed. “How about we go see the new action movie playing at the Cameo followed by a girls-only sleepover afterwards?”
“In that case, want to stay over at the Belden household this evening?” Mart asked Dan
“Sounds good to me.”
Everyone cheered. While Mart finished off the cookies, the group closed up the clubhouse and they all walked to home to ask permission.
When Trixie awoke on Monday, it was still dark outside.
She soon realized she still had time before her alarm went off and tried to will herself back to sleep. As she laid there in the dark, she began thinking over the past few weeks. She was excited about Mart’s interview this morning. She knew Pearson was guilty, and after the embarrassment she suffered at the library, she would be thrilled when he was finally turned over to the police. That would teach him to mess with Trixie Belden! She smiled as she snuggled deeper in her bed.
Yesterday, she and Mart had spent over an hour coming up with questions to ask her teacher, Mart was surprising her. Guess he’s growing up, she thought. Aloud she whispered, “Maybe I’m growing up.”
Trixie then turned her thoughts to Jim. Since coming in for her birthday, they had talked twice on the phone, e-mailed daily and IM’ed several times. “I wonder what finally caused him to pay attention to me?” She asked herself. He never did give her a straight answer as to why he suddenly came home for her birthday. Funny it should happen when a boy a school finally asked her out. But how would Jim have known?
Trixie sat up as she remembered coming downstairs the Friday of her birthday weekend and Di informing her that Honey had to make a phone call and would be there shortly. That stinker! She called Jim. She must have told him about Scott. And he came. I wonder how long it would have taken for Jim to tell me his feelings had it not been for Honey? “How did I get so lucky to have a best friend like Honey?” She wondered aloud.
Trixie smiled at the thought and snuggled back into bed. She was allowed a few moments of day dreaming about Jim before she drifted back to sleep.
“Rise and Shine!” Trixie’s mom called out.
Trixie woke with a start. “Jeepers, guess I fell back asleep.”
Remembering the interview, Trixie quickly made her way to the bathroom to get dressed.
A short time later, Trixie walked into the kitchen for breakfast. Dressed in a skirt and black shirt, she hoped she looked professional, leaving Mr. Pearson clueless into her and Mart’s real intentions.
Mart and Trixie quickly ate breakfast and they were soon on their way to school.
“Do you have your questions, Mart?” Trixie asked as she played with her camera.
“Yep, no worries Trix. Whatever we get from him today will be a bonus to all the evidence you’ve managed to acquire.”
Trixie turned and smiled at him as he pulled into the school’s parking lot.
“Ok, judging by how little he wanted to be interviewed, I figure I’ll be able to get through, maybe four to five questions,” Mart said as he helped Trixie with her school bag. “Wait outside the door and after five minutes come in and see if you can get his picture.”
“Thanks for helping me,” Trixie said as she took out her camera.
“If I can help you this way and your life isn’t in danger, than we’re doing good. Ok, ShowTime,” Mart said as he opened the English teacher's door.
Trixie set her book bag on the ground, and waited.
“Good morning, Mr. Pearson,” Mart began. “Thank you for seeing me today.”
“Not a problem, Mr. Belden. However, I need to prepare for my day and only have a few minutes to spare.”
Mart smiled and decided to skip his intro questions and dive right into the matter. “The average teacher stays at Sleepyside for 8.5 years. However, you intend to leave at the end of the school year? Why is that?”
“At the end of the semester, I intend to move to the Midwest and focus on my writing career.”
“And you can’t do that in Sleepyside?”
“No, I think Ohio would be an excellent place to start my book.”
“What is your book going to be on?” Mart asked trying not to show his excitement at hearing the word Ohio. He had memorized the rare book exhibits path and knew Ohio was on the way.
“I would rather keep that private.” He said shortly.
“I understand...Could you tell me what led you to teaching?”
Mr. Pearson sighed. “I wanted to influence young minds. Now that I’ve taught for a few years, I would like to try something else.”
Knowing Pearson’s employment record, Mart was curious what he would say when he asked, “Where did you teach before Sleepyside?”
“I’ve taught mainly on the East Coast.”
‘Ok,’ thought Mart, ’this is like pulling teeth, could the teacher be any more difficult?’ “What made you choose Sleepyside?”
“I thought the small town would be a nice change. Your town has an excellent library and I wanted to utilize it. Now Mr. Belden, I really do need to get ready for the day.”
Trixie choose that moment to knock on the door.
“Come in,” Pearson called out.
“Hi, Mr. Pearson!” Trixie said lightly. “I was hoping I could take a picture of you to run along side the article Mart’s writing.” She held up the camera.
Before he could respond, Trixie aimed her camera and took several facial shots in a row.
“Enough, Ms. Belden.”
“Thank you. See you in class!” Trixie responded as she followed Mart out of the room.
“Whew! I hope all my interviews aren’t as difficult or I’ll never make it as a reporter.”
Trixie looked at her brother curiously. “Since when do you want to be a reporter?”
“Hey, you never know. Let’s go meet the Bob-Whites and fill them in on our mornings activities.” He paused as he looked over his notes “When do you think you can develop the film?”
“In photography, shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Ahh, there is my beautiful girl.” Mart said as Diana came into view.
Trixie looked at her brother and saw the silly grin appear on his face. She wondered if she and/or Jim ever looked that way.
As if reading her mind, Mart turned to her. “Don’t look at me like that. If you realized how Jim looks when you smiled, you wouldn’t think me and Di so silly.”
Before Trixie could say anything, Mart hurried to catch his girlfriend.
“How did your interview go?” Honey asked as she met up with Trixie.
“Fantastic.”
Trixie heard Honey as she approached the group. “Mart got some info about Pearson and what his future plans are.”
While Mart filled Di and Honey in on his interview, Trixie watched Dan flirt with a classmate. She wished Dan would find someone, he was so perfect.
“Come on, Trixie, we need to get to class,” Honey said as she placed her arm around Trixie.
* * *
Tuesday afternoon, Trixie was sitting on the pier overlooking the Wheelers' lake. With her arms wrapped around her knees she was trying to figure out what to do about Pearson, however, thoughts of what to do the next time she saw Jim kept interrupting her thoughts on the case.
“Anything new on the case?” Dan asked Trixie as he sat down beside her.
“No, I still want to get his fingerprints and I’m not sure how to do that,” she responded. “What are you doing here?”
“Looking for you,” he answered honestly. “You’ve seemed a little down and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Trixie smiled at him. “How’d you know I was here?”
“I pay attention to you. You always come down to the lake when you need to think. So tell me what’s wrong.”
Trixie looked at Dan. She wasn’t that surprised he knew where she went. He was always so thoughtful when it came to her. "Oh Dan, I’m just not sure about change. I mean, I was happy when my life changed and it brought me, you, and the rest of the Bob-Whites, but there are some things that I wish hadn't changed," she said wishfully. "Like Jim and Brian going away to college. Now, Mart is going to be leaving in just a few months, and while you’re going to be around, you’ll still be in college. It’s not like I’ll see you everyday. And...” She left the rest of the thought unfinished as she looked down at the ground.
Dan was silent for a minute as he looked at Trixie. He placed an arm around her shoulders to give her a hug, then placed a kiss on her forehead.
From a far, Jim watched the interaction between Dan and Trixie with what could only be the beginnings of jealously developing. That was not good. Picking up his pace, he hurried to join them.
“...and this case is taking forever. I’m just not solving this mystery, so I’m worried maybe I’m not cut out for the PI biz.” He heard Trixie say as she kicked the water with her shoe.
Jim walked up at that point and looked at her with astonishment. "Beatrix Belden, why do you doubt yourself?" he asked. “You’re smart, talented and very beautiful. And one day you’re going to make a fantastic detective!”
Trixie’s head tilted to look at him. She was stunned to realize that Jim was standing above her. “I know...I mean, Thank you. I...I’m really just frustrated with the case and talking to Dan about that and other things and I thought you were going to call me and when did you get back to town...” she stopped only because she needed to catch her breath.
“Trixie, you are too much. I was able to move an exam around and decided to surprise you by coming home early. Is that ok?” He asked without taking his eyes off hers.
“Yes,” she replied as she leaped up to hug him. “I’m so glad you’re home.”
“Me too,” he responded as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
Dan figured he was not going to like where this was heading and decided to discreetly walk away. He looked back in time to see Jim cup Trixie’s face in his hands. ‘Yes’ he thought. ‘I do not want to see this.’
Meanwhile, Jim looked into Trixie’s smiling face and quickly realized the thoughts going through his head were not the most honorable. He bent down and gave her the kind of kiss he had been dreaming of for months.
Trixie’s toes curled and she realized she fit very well next to Jim.
When he broke away, her eyes were still closed and a whisper of “WOW” crossed over her now smiling lips. She opened her eyes and saw Jim with a mischievous smile across his face. She cocked an eyebrow and asked, “What?”
His response was another kiss.
A short time later, Honey came down the walkway toward the lake. She saw the two embracing and smiled warmly. Backing out of sight, she faked a sneeze to let them know she was coming. By the time she came out of the trees, the two lovebirds were separated by at least 4 feet, both breathing quite heavily. She grinned. “Trixie, you are going to love me!”
“Sweetie, I already do, but what have you got to tell me?”
“How about show you?” She said as she help up a glass wrapped in a plastic bag.
“Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes!”
“Ahhh! I love you, I love you!!” Trixie yelled as she jumped up and down, running to hug Honey.
‘What do I have to do to get that kind of response?’ Wondered Jim.
“How did you get it?” Trixie asked Honey as she looked at the glass.
“What is it?” Jim asked.
Trixie looked at Jim, smiling. “It’s the evidence that’s going to put Mr. Pearson away for 10-20 years. One thumbprint was found at the library and this glass here has Pearson’s prints on it. Together with the paper trail we gathered, we should have enough evidence to convince Molinson to close the case.”
“So tell me, how did you get it?” Trixie asked again impatiently.
“Well, as you know, Di and I stayed after school to help set up for the senior party. Since Mr. Pearson is a senior homeroom teacher, he was required to be there and help supervise. And believe me, he was not happy about it. Anyway, he didn’t like the way I was setting up the glasses by the punchbowl, and after he rearranged them, I swiped one of the glasses he had touched. I claimed it was dirty.” Honey finished with a giggle.
“You’re wonderful,” Trixie said as she hugged her best friend. Her smiled increased as she looked at Jim who was beaming at the two girls. “Come on, let’s go show Molinson,” she said as she grabbed a hand from both Honey and Jim leading them away from the lake.
Honey and Jim looked at each other and laughed as they hurried to keep up with Trixie as she headed back to the farmhouse.
With a slam of the kitchen door, Trixie ran upstairs to get their notes against Pearson, leaving Jim and Honey to sit on the porch swing and wait.
“Since you came straight here from school, I didn’t get a chance to welcome you home,” Honey said as she looked at her brother.
“Yeah, sorry about that, Sis. I just needed to see Trix.”
“I’ll forgive you. I guess if I were Jim Frayne, college student coming home from my sophomore year away, I’d prefer to see my girlfriend than my baby sister.”
“Yeah,” Jim said happily, than blushed as he realized the girlfriend comment. He looked at Honey who had the sense not to be smug. “Thanks for your phone call last week. It was the kick I needed.”
“It’s what sisters are for.”
“What are sisters for?” Asked Trixie as she opened the screen door.
“Listening,” replied Jim.
“Brothers are good at that too,” Trixie said in response. “As much as I’d love to know what you were really talking about, we better go if we want to get to the station before five.”
Honey looked at Jim, batting her eyelashes. He laughed, “Sometimes, I think you hang out with Di too much. Every time she does that to Mart, he’d lets her get away with murder. Here,” he said as he handed her his car keys. “I’ll walk home.”
Honey giggled as she and Trixie got in Jim’s SUV and headed to the police station.
A few minutes later, the girls were pulling into a parking space. “Well, here goes nothing,” Trixie said.
“Hi!” Trixie said to the policeman on duty. “We’d like to see Captain Molinson please. My name is Trixie Belden.”
While the guard on duty was new to the precinct, he had already heard tales of Trixie Belden. And while the Captain was often frustrated with the girl, everyone knew that he secretly admired her. He picked up the phone and dialed the extension for the Captain’s office. “Sir, Trixie Belden and ...” before he could finish the sentence he placed the phone back on its cradle. Looking up at the girls “He said you know the way.”
Trixie and Honey walked through the swinging door and headed to the Captain’s office.
Molinson greeted them at the door. “Well Miss. Belden and Wheeler. What do I owe this pleasure?”
Trixie looked at Honey who handed Molinson a manila folder of paperwork and a glass wrapped in plastic. She then proceeded to tell him all about her English teacher.
* * *
“And what did he say?” Jim asked as the Bob-Whites gathered around the conference table in the clubhouse.
“He said ‘Thank you and he would take a serious look at it.’ As we walked away, I saw him hand the glass to someone and head back to his office,” Trixie said. She then looked at her friends and realized how lucky she was. “Well, no matter what the outcome is, I want to thank all of you. This case could not have been solved case without each of you contributing.”
“Ah, but it was you, Trixie, who found the case and realized who was guilty!” Mart exclaimed.
Trixie had never been fond of attention directed at her (unless it was Jim’s) and wanted to get the groups focus on something else. “How about we all agree that it was good teamwork.”
“Well, that is the Bob-White motto,” Dan said. “All for one and one for all.”
“I think that was the musketeers', but I completely agree,” Brian said.
With that, Trixie looked at Jim, who winked. She wrinkled her nose at him and smiled, very happy with the world.
The End
Notes:
1. Sir Robert Peel was the founder of the Metropolitan Police AKA Scotland Yard, but I have no idea if he wrote a book. A book based on his personal papers was published in 1974.
2. A special thanks to my brilliant editors, Ronda and Chelsea.
Chelsea-thank you for your wonderful comments both the read and blue ones (especially the blue J).
Ronda- your students are lucky to have you!
3. Thank you to my DH for encouraging my Trixie habits.
4. Thank you to Zap for her wonderful website, for which I’m enjoying greatly! J