Chapter 10

After she left, Mr. Wheeler insisted that his wife needed to rest. The Bob-Whites went to the clubhouse to discuss what they'd heard. "I'll never be able to hear the song Bad Moon Rising again without thinking of that mondegreen," Mart said.

"Do you think Dr. Carter is your Aunt Amanda?" Trixie asked Honey.

"I don't know what to think." Honey looked confused. "Daddy doesn't think so and he's usually right and I trust his judgement. On the other hand, Mother seems so relaxed with her. Mother is usually so formal and she doesn't warm to people easily. If Mother and Amanda were as close as Daddy says, I'm sure she'd recognize her sister. Dr. Carter did save Mother's life. I'm surprised Daddy isn't more grateful."

"Do you remember any of the events Dr. Carter or your parents described?" Trixie asked.

"Not at all, but I was awfully young when all this happened. I can't envision Mother as a 'tower of strength' either. Her usual response is to ask Miss Trask or call Daddy."

"She's referring to the name 'Madeleine'," Brian told her. "It means 'tower of strength' and it sounds like Amanda depended on her. When I was a camp counselor, I couldn't let the small fry know if anything bothered me. Maybe, your mother was able to hide her fears if she knew that her sister needed her to be brave."

Mart snorted, "the small fry would exploit any weakness. Not letting them see you scared wasn't so much relieving their fears as simple self-preservation."

"She does know an awful lot about your mother," Diana said, "but then, so did Tilney Britten when he pretended to be my Uncle Monty".

"She has the necklace. That's pretty good evidence," Trixie said, unwilling to give up her theory.

"Not as good as DNA," Brian reminded her, "her story seems kind of far-fetched."

"Not really," said Dan. "If she's hiding from the mob or in witness protection, she wouldn't want to risk anything that could give her away. She's right about the danger, too. If they think she's alive, they'll come after her and stop anyone who gets in their way. You remember what my old gang did to me when they tried to ruin Juliana's wedding. Amanda would be facing a lot worse than that; and so would the rest of us. I don't care whether she's Amanda or Mary Ellen. I just want to be sure that the people she's hiding from don't think she's Amanda."

Jim looked thoughtful. "I agree with Dan. When I ran away from Ten Acres, I wanted Jonesy to think I was dead so that he wouldn't look for me. The best thing we can do is forget that Mary Ellen may be Amanda."

"Convincing Mother of that won't be easy, Jim. She's so happy," Honey said. "And what about Daddy? He's not going to rest until he knows the truth. He sees this only in terms of how it affects Mother. He won't allow anyone to hurt her."

"That may not be enough, Honey," Dan said. "Your father is a rich and powerful man; he may even be ruthless." Dan held up his hand as Honey and Jim bristled at this slur against their father, "But he's not a cold-blooded killer and that's what he'll be up against. How can he protect her from that?"

"She refers to your grandparents as 'Mother and Father'," Mart said, thoughtfully. "Your mother calls them 'Mum and Daddy'; that's also what is says on the watches, the one we found in the trunk and the one you have that once belonged to your mother".

"She sounds pretty angry and bitter when she refers to her parents," Dan said.

"She sounds hurt," Honey said. "Before I came to Sleepyside, I hardly ever saw my parents. I felt like they didn't love me or want me. It isn't pleasant to feel like your parents have rejected you. When Amanda was describing how Mother used to comfort her, I thought about how often I wished Mother would do something like that for me. Now, even more than ever, I feel like I missed having a real mother. She would do those things for Amanda, but I wasn't good enough."

"This is my fault," Trixie said. "I should have left well enough alone. I just wanted to help the Wheelers."

"None of this is your fault, Trixie." Jim held her hand. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have a family. You had no way of knowing that finding Amanda would open up this can of worms. Dr. Carter said herself that she knew she should avoid Honey, yet she took the first opportunity she had to see Mother. Now that Mother believes that Amanda is okay, she may stop having nightmares and things will settle down."

"Mother is not going to let go of Amanda that easily, Jim," Honey said. "She's used to getting her way. Daddy may think that his word is law at our house, but Mother gets what she wants."

"I guess we'll just have to convince your mother that what she really wants is to guarantee Amanda's safety," Trixie said. "Dr. Carter said she'd stop by tomorrow. We can tell her then that we believe that Amanda Hart should stay dead."

 

Chapter 11

When the Beldens returned to Crabapple Farm, there was a note on the refrigerator. "Moms and Dad have taken Bobby to the new Disney movie, we're on our own for supper." Trixie told her brothers. It was cool outside, but the boys opted for a barbecue. Trixie smiled to herself when she remembered her mother's theory about barbecues; men will cook if there is danger involved. Mart offered to start the barbecue, while Brain made hamburger patties and Trixie made a salad. Trixie cleared her throat, "Brian, can I talk to you about something? It's kind of delicate; it's about Honey." Trixie paused, "And you ... and when you ... kissed her ... at the hospital."

Brian flushed, "I know what you're going to say, Trixie. I shouldn't have done that. I wanted to comfort her because she looked so worried. I was trying to make her feel better. I got carried away. It won't happen again. I wish Honey hadn't told you, but I guess you two tell each other everything."

"No, you've got it all wrong," Trixie insisted. "She's upset because you haven't kissed her again. She thinks that she didn't kiss you back the way you wanted her to and you didn't like it. She's afraid that now that you're at university, you'll look at her as a little girl and that you'll want someone older and more experienced."

"Oh, no," Brian groaned. "I thought I was moving too fast." He looked even more uncomfortable. "Look, Trixie, this really isn't a conversation a guy can have with his kid sister. At least, it's not a conversation I can have with my kid sister. Honey is very special and she has no reason to be worried about any other girl. There have been a few girls at school who made ... certain ... suggestions, but I turned them down. They weren't Honey, and until we're both ready, I'm not going to...." His voice trailed off.

"Give into your baser instincts, your primal urges?" Mart suggested, entering the kitchen.

"Something like that," Brian admitted, "how long have you been standing there?"

"I just got here. Moms forgot to close the window and I heard everything." Mart walked over and patted his brother on the shoulder. "Relax, Brian. You forget that you are an eldest male Belden. As such, you are a paragon of all that is meritorious, virtuous, and wise. You don't have any baser instincts or primal urges."

"I have plenty of baser instincts where Honey is concerned. I'm just not planning to act on them right now. I don't want to screw things up, I mean, I don't want to mess things up." Brian blushed and glared at Trixie and Mart. "Can we change the subject?"

"Well, if you can't talk to me, why don't you talk to Jim or Dan?" Trixie suggested. "If you're really desperate, you could even talk to Miss LonelyHeart here," she pointed at Mart, "he seems to have all the answers".

"Hey, I've got it," Mart cried. "Anytime you're afraid you and Honey might get carried away, try and think about what her father would do to you if he ever found out. That should cool your ardour." Trixie laughed. Privately, she agreed with Mart. Mr. Wheeler's temper was legendary.

"Jim is Honey's brother; I can't talk to him," Brian told Trixie. "If he tried to talk to me about you, Mart and I would have to kill him."

"No, we wouldn't," Mart corrected him. "We'd have to consider his being attracted to Trixie as a cry for help. We should have him committed to the nearest psychiatric facility to get his head examined or have his eyes checked, possibly both."

Trixie threw the radish she was holding at Mart. "We're not talking about Jim and me. I just wanted Brian to know that he'd hurt Honey's feelings."

Brian lost his temper. "All right. Fine. I got the message, loud and clear. I promise to molest Honey at the next available opportunity. OK? Now, can we, please, talk about something else?" He picked up the platter of hamburgers. "If you'll excuse me, I'll just go grill the burgers. I need some air, it's warm in here."

While Brian was outside, Trixie set the table and Mart made a dressing for the salad. After a while, Mart turned to Trixie and asked, "Does Di ever talk about me?"

"No," Trixie replied. Di talked about Mart all the time when it was just the three girls. In fact, Trixie would have bet that they would have been the first official Bob-White couple. However, Trixie hadn't completely forgiven Mart for teasing her and was in no mood to satisfy his curiosity.

"If she did, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?" Mart pressed.

"Certainly not!" Trixie said shortly.

When Brian returned, they sat down and began to eat. It was a quiet meal as each one tried to think of a safe topic of conversation. Eventually, Brian decided to break the deadlock. "This is really good salad dressing," he told Mart.

"Thanks, I had it at Di's last week and got the recipe; it's honey-mustard vinaigrette."

Trixie shrieked with laughter. Brian threw down his fork and turned to face the wall in disgust. "Sorry," Mart said. For the rest of the evening, the three Beldens carefully avoided mentioning Honey's name.

The next day, the Bob-Whites met at the clubhouse and waited for Dr. Carter to arrive. "Did you have time to discuss Dr. Carter with your parents?" Trixie asked Jim and Honey.

Honey shook her head and Jim answered. "No, Mother was in her room and Dad had fallen asleep on the sofa in the library by the time we got back to the house. They were both exhausted. They had supper in their room and slept-in this morning." He added, "The good news is that Mother slept soundly last night for the first time in ages. While we're waiting, we really should exercise the horses; Regan's dropped a few none-too-subtle hints."

"Mother said that she and Aunt Amanda want to go riding later and Mother will want Lady. I'll stay behind," Honey offered.

"I think Dad will veto that. He doesn't want Mother to tire herself," Jim said. "I think you'll be able to ride."

"I'll stay with you, Honey," Brian offered.

Honey flushed with pleasure. Diana, who hadn't noticed the way Brian and Honey were smiling at each other, said, "Well, I don't think I'll ride either. It takes so long to go home, get changed, and get Sunny saddled, I'll just stay with Honey and Brian."

"No," Trixie and Mart chorused. "I mean," Mart continued, "it won't be as much fun without you, Di. I tell you what, you call home and ask someone to saddle Sunny and I'll drive you home".

"Right," said Trixie, "and I'll saddle Strawberry for you, Mart. You'll be back by the time we're ready to start."

"OK," said Di, "as long as it's no bother."

"No bother at all," said Mart, as he moved to open the door. "Everybody up, let's go."

After the others had departed, Honey and Brian sat at the table and smiled at each other. "My siblings are nothing if not subtle. Would you like to go for a walk?" Brian asked.

"I'd like that," Honey replied. "Let me get my jacket."

"I'll get it." Brian held the jacket for Honey. As he draped the jacket around her, he massaged her shoulders lightly. She could feel his hot breath as she leaned back against him. "I love you. I've missed you so," Brian whispered as he kissed her hair, her neck. He stopped and turned Honey so that she faced him. She lifted her face to meet his and when their lips met, Honey no longer had any doubts that they were both enjoying the kiss they shared.

At the stables, Jim helped Trixie saddle Susie and Strawberry. "That was a nice thing you did, Trix, offering to saddle Mart's horse so that we all could ride." He stepped back and almost fell over. "What's with all the gates?"

Regan came in carrying his young son. "Billy's walking now and he can get into more trouble. Peri insisted that we put up baby gates in here as well as at home. A couple of weeks ago, we found him curled up in Jupiter's stall fast asleep. I only took my eyes of him for a few minutes to answer the phone; but he can move pretty quickly when he wants to, can't you, big fella? That was the longest five minutes of my life."

The cute red-haired baby waved his hands and offered his bottle to Jupiter. "Doodoodoo," he babbled excitedly.

"Uh-uh, Doodoodoo doesn't want your bottle," his father admonished.

"Doodoodoo?" Jim asked.

"We think he's trying to say Jupiter," Regan explained, proudly. "However, he really means horse; he calls all the horses by that name. Jupiter is his favorite, though. He only says a few 'words'. 'Dada' means Daddy or Dan; 'baba' is bottle, baby, or bye-bye, depending on the context. Everything else is unintelligible." He tossed Billy up in the air, catching him as Billy squealed with joy.

"Sounds like he's covered all the basics," Jim laughed. "What does he call Peri?"

Regan grimaced, "He doesn't say 'Mommy' yet. Peri is a little sensitive about playing second-fiddle to the horses."

"Only because one of them stole my son's affections." Peri Regan walked over, kissed her husband and son, and greeted the Bob-Whites. "If I'd known this would happen, I would never have allowed you to read all those horse care manuals to Billy while I was pregnant." She laughed and held out her hands to take the baby. "Let's go home and you can have lunch and a nap. I went to the supermarket and bought lots of plum baby food, enough for you and Daddy and Dan. Say, why don't you all come over for lunch in about an hour? I promise that you won't have to eat pablum."

"Thanks, Peri, but Dr. Carter is coming over for lunch and the Bob-Whites are invited to the Manor House," Jim explained.

"Dr. Carter? Oh, yes, she was here the other night. How is your mother, by the way?" Peri asked. Jim gave her a quick update on his mother's condition. She turned to Regan, "Aren't you giving Dr. Carter a riding lesson this afternoon?" Regan nodded. While they spoke, the baby, deciding he no longer wanted his bottle, threw it on the floor and waved as it fell. "OK, let's go, young man, say bye-bye to the Bob-Whites." The baby waved and the Bob-Whites waved back.

"Aren't you a little old for baby food?" Trixie teased Dan, after his aunt and uncle had left.

Dan flushed. "Sometimes when we're trying to feed Billy, we taste some of his food to show him that it isn't really that bad. Most of it is terrible. Stay away from the spaghetti and the chicken with rice," Dan advised them, "but the plum is really good. We all like that one."

 

Chapter 12

Trixie found lunch at the Manor House interesting. Honey and Brian had obviously enjoyed their walk, if smiles that covered their faces were any indication. They looked like they were auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. Both were rather quiet during the meal. But, as Mrs. Wheeler and Dr. Carter were laughing and reminiscing, Trixie doubted that anyone else noticed. Mr. Wheeler never took his eyes off his wife's face. Mrs. Wheeler was so happy she glowed, but it was clear to see that Mr. Wheeler wasn't happy. The only time he spoke was to comment on Dr. Carter's mistakes or test her. He's thinking about what happens if Amanda leaves again. He's wondering how Mrs. Wheeler will cope, Trixie thought. I hope Mrs. Wheeler never has to choose between her family and her sister. I'm not sure what her choice would be and I think Mr. Wheeler isn't so sure either.

After lunch, Dr. Carter came downstairs dressed in her boots and a riding habit borrowed from Mrs. Wheeler. "I think I'd rather wait until you're well enough to go riding with me, Madeleine."

Matthew Wheeler looked at her, "I never thought I'd live to see the day when Amanda Hart would turn down a chance to go riding. Amanda was an excellent horsewoman. That would be something very difficult to fake."

"I haven't been near a horse in twelve years. I'm not sure that I even remember how to ride." Amanda looked worried. "I'm going to need a helmet."

"Since when do you wear a helmet to ride?" Matthew asked.

"Since I started treating kids who will spend the rest of their lives as quadriplegics because they didn't wear one," Dr. Carter responded.

"You'll be fine," Madeleine assured her. "I'm more concerned with whether or not you remember how to care for your horse and clean the tack. Regan, our groom, gets very upset if it isn't done properly."

"You clean your own tack?" Mary Ellen said surprised. "I simply must meet this man."

"Don't be absurd," Madeleine said, "I've hired someone to do that for me."

"But I have to clean my tack? What if I were called to the hospital in an emergency?" Dr. Carter asked. "A child's life could hang in the balance."

"Nice try," Madeleine answered. "If you were called away on a matter a life-and-death, Regan would, no doubt, groom the horse and the tack would still be here when you returned."

"So, what kind of thing is likely to upset him? Is he as much a slavedriver as Gustav, the groom we had when we were young?"

"Of course not; he's much worse," Madeleine Wheeler responded. "Don't forget to give the horse time to cool down, take care of the horse before you even think of doing anything for yourself, the tack has to be cleaned and put away, exactly as you found it. Oh, and don't eat the saddle soap; I'm sure he wouldn't like that either."

"I was only five," Mary Ellen retorted and seeing the puzzled look on Mart's face explained. "It was a case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing. Madeleine had come back from school and was telling me all about the things she'd done and learned. One of the things she told me that the tongue could only taste four flavours: salt, sweet, sour and bitter. All other taste sensations were related to your sense of smell. I thought saddle soap was the nicest smell in the whole world, so I decided to test her theory. It was dreadful." Dr. Carter grimaced. "I'm not going to eat the saddle soap; once was definitely enough." She looked at her sister. "So, are you going to come and keep me company and offer moral support?"

"I'd love to, but Matthew has given strict orders that I have to stay put and rest." Madeleine Wheeler sighed. "He's a wonderful man and I love him dearly, but he can be a little overprotective."

"He loves you very much," Dr. Carter said, hugging her sister. "You're lucky to have someone like him. I wish I did," she added wistfully.

"Careful, that sounds like a compliment to Matthew," Madeleine laughed.

"Well, I just figure that anyone who makes you as happy as he obviously does can't be all bad," Dr. Carter smiled.

"Two compliments in one day?" Madeleine joked. "Who are you and what have you done with my sister?"

"I just wanted to be sure I said that in case I don't survive this riding session," Mary Ellen retorted. "I'm sure Matt has ordered that I get the horse most likely to throw a rider. I'd better face the music alone. I'll be much too nervous with an audience." Dr. Carter left to go the stables.

The Bob-Whites went to the stables. Regan was supervising as Dr. Carter finished cleaning and polishing the leather. "How was your ride?" Honey inquired.

"I enjoyed it very much, but I haven't been given my evaluation yet. Regan has to report to Matthew first." She hung up the last piece of tack and turned to Regan. "What next?"

"Nothing. We're finished. You saddled your horse, rode in the paddock, jumped, groomed the horse, and cleaned the tack. What more do you need to do, unless you want to clean the stalls?" Regan told her.

"Oh, really, we're through?" Dr. Carter looked relieved. "I was expecting a written exam so that Matt could have a sample of my handwriting. I've been agonizing over possible questions: define spavin, how do you make and use a wisp, discuss the optimal age for gelding in terms of physical and behavioural issues. Use only 2H pencils, do not write on both sides of the paper." She laughed and ran her hands through her hair. "I haven't been this nervous since the first time I assisted in surgery. Thank you, Mr. Regan. It's been a pleasure." She said offering him her hand.

"Why would Mr. Wheeler want a sample of your handwriting?" Regan asked puzzled. "He just wanted to know if you were proficient in riding. You're a natural, but I'm sure you already know that, Dr. Carter. I have to talk to Mr. Wheeler." He nodded good-bye to the others and left the stables.

"Dr. Carter," Trixie began as Dr. Carter turned to leave the stables.

The doctor stopped. "Dr. Carter? Not Amanda? Does this mean you don't believe that I'm Amanda anymore?"

"We still believe that you're Amanda, at least some of us do," Trixie told her. "After what you told us yesterday, we decided that we should probably forget that you are Amanda Hart. It's the right thing to do."

"Yes, it is," Dr. Carter agreed. She turned to straighten the shelves of blankets. "How did you get Matthew and Madeleine to agree with you?"

"We haven't talked to Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler yet, but I think they want what's best for you." Trixie said.

The young doctor slowly turned to face the Bob-Whites. "It doesn't really matter. I won't be here much longer. I've decided to leave Sleepyside."

"You're leaving!?" the anguish in Mrs. Wheeler's voice surprised the Bob-Whites. "You don't have to go away. We can be friends. You saved my life. I could be grateful. We could be friends," she urged her sister.

"Maddie, we cannot be friends. What if one of us slips up one day and says the wrong thing? You might call me by the wrong name or I might use the wrong voice. Do you even know what my name is?" Dr. Carter asked.

"Of course, I do," her sister responded, "Amanda Evangeline Hart."

Dr. Carter shook her head. "That's not my name, not anymore. Try again." They waited for Mrs. Wheeler's response.

"Dr. ... Carter?," Mrs. Wheeler answered, uncertainly, after a few moments. "Dr. Marianne Carter?"

Dr. Carter bit her lip. "It's Mary Ellen Carter. Oh yeah, we could definitely be friends," she added sarcastically.

"When are you leaving?" Madeleine asked. She knew that she had failed this test.

"Saturday. I gave notice at the hospital the day after I met Honey. I called one of the agents I used to know and told him about my situation. After the obligatory 'How could you be so stupid?' speech, he advised me to leave town immediately. I had already decided to leave, but I don't want to burn any bridges with the hospital. I do have the option of disappearing again, but I'm not as resilient at thirty-three as I was at twenty-one. I want to remain Mary Ellen Carter, I've worked hard to become the person I am today and I don't want to give up everything I've worked for. There are still a few things I want to review with Brian before I leave. I'm sure he's not going to have any problem with his MCATs." Dr. Carter moved to hug Mrs. Wheeler as she noticed the tears welling in her eyes. "It'll be all right, Maddie. I have another job in a private practice waiting for me. Yesterday afternoon with you was intoxicating and I wish I could spend the rest of my life here; but I think we both know that I can't."

"So, we only have three days left. I want to spend every minute with you." Madeleine Wheeler's voice sounded determined.

"That isn't possible, Maddie. I do have to work. We can see each other a few times, but you can't get used to having me around." She looked at her sister's sad face. "And how will Matthew feel about this?"

"You leave Matthew to me. I'm sure he'll understand how important this is to me. After all, I may never see you again." Mrs. Wheeler pleaded.

Dr. Carter sighed. "Why is it so hard to say no to you? Tell you what, there's a foreign film festival in White Plains. All of them are subtitled; which is great because we both hate dubbed. It includes French conversational drama and Swedish 'suicide' films. It will be terrific. Matt's welcome to come with us."

"I can hardly wait," Matthew Wheeler said from the doorway. "I thought you were supposed to be resting," he said to his wife. "I went upstairs and you were gone; I didn't know what to think." He took his wife's hand. "So, where are we really going?" he asked, looking from Madeline to Dr. Carter. Noting their puzzled expressions, he continued, "You two seem to think I was born yesterday. I wasn't. So, I'll ask again, where are we really going?"

"You told him?" Dr. Carter accused her sister. This had long been their classic maneuver to ensure that Matthew didn't tag along. It was successful because Matthew couldn't watch more that three minutes of a foreign language film.

"No, of course not," Madeleine insisted. "How did you know?" she asked her husband.

"I've been married to you a long time and I know you pretty well after all these years." Matthew Wheeler said. "Added to that is the fact that I don't trust this woman. Stop stalling. Where are we really going?"

"We're not going anywhere," Mrs. Wheeler assured him. "I have a meeting at the hospital about the official opening of the new children's wing. It's been in use for a month now because the hospital needed the facilities, but the official opening is in a few weeks."

"You were involved with that?" Dr. Carter asked. "Oh, Maddie, it's a terrific facility. The medical equipment is state-of-the-art. The computer network is second-to-none. It allows us to consult in real-time with specialists in larger centres. The kids can use it to talk to other hospitalized children around the world. You've done a great job. I'm almost sorry I won't be here for the opening. Actually, I have to work tomorrow, anyway. Maybe another time."

"I thought you said you had to work tonight?" Mr. Wheeler reminded her.

"That's right. I have to work today from four p.m. to midnight and from eight a.m. to four p.m. tomorrow. A lot of staff booked off this week because of the school break. The rest of us have to cover their shifts. Brian's going to be at the hospital with me tomorrow, he wants to observe what a doctor's day is like," Dr. Carter responded. "You're much too suspicious, Matthew."

"Why don't we have lunch together tomorrow?" Mrs. Wheeler asked. "Trixie and Honey are doing volunteer duty at the hospital. It will give you a chance to get to know your niece."

"I can't make any promises. My day can be unpredictable. Stop by the ward and see if I'm free. That's the best I can do. And don't forget to ask for Dr. Carter." With that Amanda left.

 

Chapter 13

Trixie and Honey were working on the children's ward when Mrs. Wheeler joined them. After waiting a short time, Mrs. Wheeler asked to have Dr. Carter paged. Dr. Carter and Brian met them after a few minutes. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Wheeler, I won't be able to join you for lunch. Brian, why don't you go and have something? The way this day has been so far, you don't know when you might get another chance."

A nurse rushed up, "Dr. Carter, he's crashing."

Dr. Carter leapt up and ran into one of the rooms. Brian excused himself and followed her. When they returned, Brian looked shaken. The doctor went to the desk; they could hear her talk to the nurse. "Have you been able to reach his parents? I want to talk to them. Let me know when they get here. Oh, and could someone get him cleaned up. His parents will want to say good-bye and I don't want them to remember their son looking like that."

She brought Brian a glass of juice. "Here, drink this. Are you all right?" Brian took the juice and nodded, but Trixie noticed that his hand shook. Honey sat beside him, held his other hand, and reached up to stroke his hair. Mrs. Wheeler raised her eyebrows, but said nothing.

"I'm sorry you saw that," the doctor said to him. "It isn't easy to watch a child die. He was very ill. The surgery was his only chance, but it was a long shot at best. He got an infection post-op and was too weak to fight it. If I'd not recommended the surgery, the outcome would have been the same. I could have given him something to control the pain and he would have died at home surrounded by his family instead of here surrounded by tubes and medical equipment. Now you know what it feels like to be a doctor. Doctors sometimes get so caught up in fighting disease and prolonging life that they forget that the battlefield is a little child's body and that it's the quality of life that's important. That's something you'll have to guard against when you're a doctor."

She turned to the girls. "There's a couple of books I want you to read to the kids this afternoon. One is called The Tenth Good Thing about Barney and the other is Balloons for Trevor. They're about death and grief. I have them in my locker if the hospital library doesn't have copies. The patients here may be children, but they're not stupid. They are aware of what's going on around them. The little boy who died today is Bobby's age and may have been in his class. Your family may have some difficult questions to answer when Bobby learns about this." The girls nodded. Dr. Carter stood. "I have to change into a white labcoat. It's inappropriate to tell parents that their child is dead when you're dressed like Bozo the Clown. Brian, if you don't want to continue today, I'll understand. I think you should go and take a break and decide what you want to do. I'll see you this evening at Crabapple Farm, in any case."

Dr. Carter had dinner at Crabapple Farm with the Belden family. Brian tried to apologize to Dr. Carter for his behaviour at the hospital. The doctor waved aside his apologies, saying, "You don't have to be sorry; you were able to get past it and move on to the next patient on our rounds. Some days that's all any of us can hope to do. You were fine, better than most, better than I was at my first death. I would recommend you talk to someone, don't bottle it all up inside. That's not healthy," she advised. "Not Honey. I know she cares about you and would want to help you, but she has enough on her plate right now."

After dinner, Brian and Dr. Carter excused themselves and went to the den to review material. The evening passed quietly enough until it was time for Bobby to go to bed. He threw a tantrum that surprised everyone in the household. While Mrs. Belden tried to soothe Bobby, Mr. Belden apologized to Dr. Carter explaining that Bobby had heard of his classmate's death and may have been acting up because of it. Mr. Belden and Dr. Carter agreed that it was important to discuss the death with Bobby.

A short time later, the family gathered in the living room, Bobby sat on his father's knee and asked some of the questions that had been bothering him. "I didn't like to play with Tony because he couldn't run and jump and climb with the rest of us. Did he die because I wouldn't play with him?" Bobby sobbed. His parents and the doctor reassured Bobby that he was in no way responsible for Tony's death. They explained that Tony had been very ill and that was why he died.

"When I get sick, Dr. Ferris makes me better, even when a snake bited me. Why didn't you make Tony better, Dr. Carter? If I get sick, will I die too?" he cried. Then his eyes grew wide with horror, "If Moms and Daddy die, who'll take care of me an' Trixie an' Mart an' Brian?" They tried to explain that most people who get sick don't die because their bodies are strong enough to fight disease and most people live a long time. They also reassured him that Uncle Andrew would take care of the Belden children if anything should happen to Mr. and Mrs. Belden. Bobby also wanted to know what it was like to be dead, if Tony was lonely or cold or sick anymore. Patiently, the family answered his questions as well as they could in terms that he could understand.

"I guess I understand. But when Tony's alive again, I'll be nicer to him," Bobby said after a few moments, nodding his head emphatically.

"No, Bobby," his father said quietly. "People who are dead don't come back. They are gone forever."

"But Dr. Carter used to be dead, and now she's alive again," Bobby insisted.

There was a long pause. Finally, Dr. Carter spoke, "I was running away from some very bad men, Bobby. I only pretended to be dead so that they would stop looking for me."

"Maybe Tony isn't really and truly dead. Maybe he's only pretending," Bobby exclaimed.

"No, Bobby," Brian shook his head, "Tony is really and truly dead."

Bobby looked at Dr. Carter. "Jim ran away from his mean step-father. He was a very bad man; he hurt Jim and Juliana. Jim didn't pretend die."

Trixie hugged Bobby, "Jim was lucky enough to find a new family."

Bobby went over to Dr. Carter, "Thank-you for 'splaining about Tony. I hope the bad men don't find you," he said, "and I hope you find a new family, too, like Jim." Dr. Carter hugged him and thanked him.

Mrs. Belden took Bobby up to bed. Dr. Carter stood to leave. She shook hands with Mr. Belden. "Thank you again for dinner. I hope Bobby will be all right."

 

Chapter 14

Trixie and Honey were riding in the game preserve. They found Dan working at one of the feeding stations. Dan turned and waved as he heard the horses approach. They told him that Brian and Jim were in the Manor House library working on some research. Honey said, "I feel guilty. You're working here. Brian has been studying with Aunt Amanda nearly every day. Jim's been working on some homework he brought home with him. I feel like I'm playing hooky."

"Jim and Brian have always been sickeningly honourable." Trixie said. "Homework during spring break? Get real."

"I don't know about you two," Dan said, "but Mart and I should hit the books before we go back to school next week." He turned to continue his work, then turned around. "Oh, Honey, if you're looking for your mother and aunt, I saw them walking over there about ten minutes ago. They can't have gone far."

Honey moved in the direction Dan indicated and Trixie followed reluctantly. She had looked forward to spending some time with Honey and resented yet another intrusion. They heard Mrs. Wheeler's tinkling laugh from around the bend in the trail. Dr. Carter was saying, "This is nice. I haven't had anyone to confide in or be silly with for so long."

"I know what you mean. I've missed our talks and our walks." Mrs. Wheeler sighed. "Does this remind you of another walk in the woods?" When Dr. Carter didn't answer, Mrs. Wheeler continued. "You must remember the day we saw the bear. I can't believe you'd forget that. The bear was eyeing us and you said in a small, terrified voice 'Maddie, we can't outrun a bear.' I wanted to keep you from giving in to your terror, so I said, 'I know, but I can outrun you.' You were so angry that you forgot all about being scared."

"Hmm, what would you have done if the bear had decided we looked tasty?" Dr. Carter demanded.

"I don't know and it's a moot point. The bear just ambled away. We waited for a discrete interval and ran back to the camp as if the bear was chasing us." Mrs. Wheeler chuckled. "I did ask Matthew later what we should have done and he said that would depend on what kind of bear it was. 'It was a big, scary bear with claws and teeth.' Then he gave me much more information about bear attacks than I really needed to know. Much of it was contradictory. He did say that bears are attracted by scents and you should avoid wearing perfumes and scented cosmetics. Even since then I insist that we send an Estée Lauder SWAT team into the woods ahead of us to do reconnaissance. Oh, yes, and he said that women have to be especially careful at a certain time of the month."

Dr. Carter laughed, "Well , that's only fair. There are a few days out of month when the bear would have to be especially careful around some women."

Strawberry whinnied as Honey pulled in the reins and prepared to dismount. Dr. Carter asked fearfully, "Did you hear that?"

"It's probably Dan and his horse, Spartan. Dan works in the game preserve." Mrs. Wheeler said. "Don't worry, you're safe here."

"I always feel safe when I'm with you," Dr. Carter said. "Maddie, Matt said that my leaving almost cost you your sanity and your marriage, what did he mean?"

There was a long pause before Mrs. Wheeler spoke. Trixie thought that the two women had moved farther away, when she heard Mrs. Wheeler reply. "I came home from the hospital after the miscarriage. I couldn't stop crying. Matthew had to go out of town for a few days. I took Honey to visit Mum and Daddy. When we got there, I heard noises coming from your room; I thought you had come home. I was so happy. I ran to your room and opened the door. There were strangers in your room, packing away your things. I couldn't let that happen! I had to stop them! A few days later, I woke up in a hospital. It was a mental institution for the wealthy but wacky. It was a horrible, frightening place. Some of the patients there were truly deranged.

"Do you remember the study from the '70s called On being sane in insane places? A group of people checked themselves into a mental institution and the staff couldn't tell the difference. I think that's what happened to me. It's funny; the other patients could see that I didn't belong there, but the medical staff thought I was crazy. The psychiatric profession has a lot to answer for.

"I didn't realize that I was confined to the ward at first. One day, it was so beautiful outside that I decided I would go for a walk. I didn't even get through the door. The guards dragged me back and put me in restraints. I didn't understand what was happening. When Matthew came to visit, the staff told him that I had tried to escape. He believed them. If I cried after he left, the staff told him that his visits upset me and he should stay away. Apparently, the idea that I might possibly be upset because I was drugged and imprisoned against my will didn't occur to these people. I felt confused and alone."

"I can't believe Matthew would do that to you," Dr. Carter said. "When I left, I was trusting him to keep you safe."

"He was trying to keep me safe. Everyone thought you were dead, but I knew you weren't," Madeleine began.

"How did you know? Did you see something that night on the boat?" Dr. Carter demanded.

"No, I was in the cabin, remember? I couldn't have seen anything," Madeleine replied. "I just knew somehow. Whenever I spoke about you, I talked of when we would be together again. I think that frightened Matthew. Amanda was dead; Madeleine wanted to be with Amanda; therefore, Madeleine wanted to die, too. At least, I guess that was the logic behind his decision to have me committed."

"That slimeball!" Mary Ellen said angrily. "I could kill him! I thought he loved you! Why are you still with him?"

"Mandy, don't," Mrs. Wheeler said, soothingly. "Matthew was trying his best to protect me from myself. He came to visit me every day. He never gave up on me, on us. There were times when I tried to push him away. He always believed we'd get through this, and, in time, I started to believe it too. I wouldn't have survived that ordeal without his support.

"I would have horrible nightmares. I would wake up crying and screaming. At first, the nightmares were about you. I would dream that I was on the boat. I could hear you calling to me, but I couldn't see you. Later, the dreams were about Honey. It was the same dream or a variation of the dream. I couldn't find her, but I could hear her calling. She was just beyond the fog, or just through the trees, or just around the corner. I would ask her to tell me where she was, she'd reply 'I'm...' but I would wake up before she finished the sentence.

"I became convinced that something had happened to her, something Matthew was afraid to tell me. I thought she might have been kidnapped and Matthew didn't know how to tell me that we'd lost her as well. I just wanted to know that she was all right. She was my precious baby. Did he think I was going to hurt her? Each day, I begged him to let me see Honey and he would say, 'Maybe tomorrow, we'll see'. But he never did."

"Maddie, there were probably hospital regulations prohibiting visitors as young as Honey. Matthew may not have been allowed to bring her there," Dr. Carter told her. "Would you really have wanted Honey in that place?"

"No, I guess not," Madeleine replied. "They gave me drugs to make me calm and relaxed. It felt like my brain was wrapped up in cotton wool. I wasn't able to think clearly or focus. I should have realized Honey might have been frightened and Matthew would never have brought her there."

"How long were you there?" Mary Ellen asked.

"Several months," Mrs. Wheeler answered her. "I gradually came to realize that the only way I would be released was to admit that you were dead and that I accepted that fact. I still didn't believe it was true, but I would have told the doctors anything to get out of that place. If they'd wanted me to say that the sky was brown and the ocean was orange and trees were pink, I would have said that, no question.

"Each day, I would struggle against the drugs. It was like walking on a tightrope as I tried to find the exact set of behaviours that were acceptable. Smile more. Don't smile so much. Be pleasant. Laugh at Matthew's jokes. You're laughing too hard. Ask about Honey, but don't be obsessive about her. I was second-guessing every word, every gesture, and every response. I learned to say and do exactly what was expected of me, a model prisoner. That's when the medical staff decided I was making progress. For a while, I think I truly did go mad.

"Eventually, I was released. Matthew and I had to go to counseling sessions together. It took a long time to rebuild our relationship and for me to feel that I could trust him again. He was very patient with me, and you know patience is not one of Matthew's many virtues. After a while, I started to rediscover the man I fell in love with and married. Matthew wanted me to travel with him when he had to go on extensive business trips. I just wanted to go home and see Honey. While I was hospitalized, I learned to hide my emotions and do what I was told. It had become habitual for me to defer to anyone else and I had become so good at maintaining the facade that I was a personality-free zone. I stopped being Madeleine Wheeler and became Mrs. Wheeler, an appendage. If Matthew noticed the difference or realized there was something missing, he never said anything to me."

"Why didn't you tell Matthew how you felt?" Dr. Carter asked. "He can't read your mind." She paused, " What happened with Honey?"

"When I came home from the hospital, I called the school and told the headmistress I wanted to visit Honey. She told me that Honey was having trouble adjusting to boarding school and a visit from her parents would be counter-productive and it would be better if Honey didn't see me. I thought maybe the school had orders to keep Honey away from her crazy mother."

"And you stood for that? The old Madeleine would have marched into that office, reminded the headmistress that Honey was your child, that you were paying the bills, that there were other schools, and not left until you'd seen your daughter. Well, you would have been more diplomatic and polite than that," Mary Ellen said, puzzled. "Why didn't you?'

"If I had any kind of emotional outburst, I thought that Matthew would send me away again. I had to avoid that at all costs." Madeleine's voice sounded shaky. "For almost a year, my goal was to be able to see my daughter. The day finally arrived when we were coming home. I wanted to give Honey hugs and kisses and tickles and squeezes for good luck. When we got to the apartment, Honey was there with our parents and the governess Mum had hired. I'd dreamed of that day for so long, invariably, I was doomed to be disappointed. Do you remember when we went to New England to visit Great-Aunt Priscilla? We had to let her kiss us and we would pretend we were standing bravely in front of a firing squad? That was the look on Honey's face when I kissed her. She submitted like a good little soldier and then turned to her governess and asked if she could go play in her room now that she'd said hello to her mother. I never tried again."

Mrs. Wheeler continued, "The nightmares started again. I was paranoid that something would happen to Honey. I was afraid she might get hurt or be kidnapped. She didn't want me around, but I thought if I did everything I could to keep her safe, she might realize how much she meant to me."

Trixie heard two sobs, one from Mrs. Wheeler and another stifled one from Honey. She reached over to hold Honey's hand. Trixie remembered when she'd first met Honey. Honey had told her how much she wanted to know her mother loved her.

They heard Dr. Carter's voice. "Maddie, she was just a little kid. Kids that age don't reason from cause to effect. She had no idea how important that day was to you or how much you were hurt by her reaction. She might have been tired or angry because you missed the mother-daughter tea or missing her favourite television show. You should have kept trying. What happened when she was thirteen?"

"The school called. Honey was seriously ill with pneumonia. People can die from pneumonia, did you know that?" Mrs. Wheeler said. "You're a doctor, you do know that. I drove to the school and stayed there until Honey was well enough to come home. I made the usual bargains with God. If you let Honey live, things will be different. I'll give her anything she wants. We brought her home; she took one look at her governess and started to cry. Matthew and I didn't know what was wrong. Gradually, Honey started to talk about how much she liked one of her teachers, Miss Trask, and how much she wanted to live away from the city. We hired Miss Trask to be Honey's governess and bought the Manor House. It's been a good move for Honey; she has wonderful friends and a new brother. I thought we were getting closer, too. Now, I find out that she's fallen in love and she doesn't think she can tell me about it."

"It's probably her age. How much did we confide in Mother or our governess when we were Honey's age? She's most likely to confide in her friends, Trixie for example. At sixteen, hanging with your mother is supremely uncool. She's growing up. In a few years she'll leave for university, you have to start letting go," Dr. Carter reminded her. "Anyway, I'm sure Matt doesn't know. If he did, Honey would be in a convent and Brian would be in ICU sucking up oxygen through a tube. Am I right?"

"Yes, you're right about that," Mrs. Wheeler chuckled, then sobered. "You knew and you've only just met them."

"I saw them kissing at the hospital the night you were brought in and I saw the same thing you saw at the hospital the other day," Mary Ellen told her. "Maybe, they're not dating. Maybe, they share a deeply disturbing hospital fetish."

"Thank you, Amanda! It's so much more comforting to think I've raised a pervert." Mrs. Wheeler sounded annoyed.

"All joking aside, Maddie, I only know what Brian has told me and he doesn't realize he's told me anything," Mary Ellen explained. "Do you remember when you and Matt were dating? Matthew's eyes would light up when you entered the room. He still does that and Brian looks that same way when he talks about Honey. His voice gets this adorable little catch in it when he says Honey's name. It's really cute and when he says 'Honey', he isn't just saying her name, it's an endearment. He's able to concentrate and focus on his work, but when we take a break for coffee or just stretch, Honey is his favorite topic of conversation. He can restrain himself from mentioning her for a whole 2.7 minutes. I know; I timed him one evening. I don't think she quite as perfect as he says she is because she'd be insufferable. I'm pretty sure they haven't had sex yet; Brian would have to take her off that pedestal. You might want to consider having a talk with her. We both know how easy it is to get lost in the heat of the moment."

"She's too young..." Mrs. Wheeler began.

"No, Maddie, she isn't. Age has nothing to do with it. Honey's almost seventeen. That's the average age when girls have intercourse for the first time. She may not be ready and I hope she has the good sense to wait until she's sure. My gut feeling is that Brian isn't going to force the issue. I might remind you that you weren't much older than Honey when you started dating Matthew and you got married when you were Brian's age. I really like Brian ... in a loving aunt sort-of-way. If I'd brought home someone like him, Mother would have hired a wedding consultant after our first date. Too bad he doesn't have any older brothers."

"Brothers? Actually he has an uncle in Des Moines. They look a lot alike," Mrs. Wheeler said thoughtfully.

"I was kidding and you're trying to change the subject. We were talking about Honey and that awkward conversation you need to have with her."

"I'm sure Miss Trask has already talked to Honey," Mrs. Wheeler said.

"Miss Trask is not Honey's mother. This is your job," Dr. Carter reminded her. "What did Mother say to you?"

"Men have needs," Mrs. Wheeler responded. "I thought she was talking about the Superbowl."

"That does sound helpful," Mary Ellen said sarcastically. "You know what to say, 'When two people really love each other. OK, I'll drop it." There was another extended pause. "Tell me about Jim Wheeler."

"It's Jim Frayne. James Winthrop Frayne II," Mrs. Wheeler told her.

"Why doesn't he use your name if you've adopted him?" Dr. Carter asked.

"For the same reason, I'm still buying your favorite tea twelve years after you died. There's no statute of limitations on love. Jim was ten when his father died and thirteen when his mother died. He still thinks of them and loves them. Matthew and I can never take their places and we didn't insist Jim take our name. He ran away from his cruel stepfather when he was fifteen. Honey wrote to us asking us to adopt him, I didn't think it was a good idea, but I'm glad we did. He's a terrific young man. I wish you could stay and get to know my children."

"With respect, Madeleine, we've been through this. I have to leave." There was a warning in Mary Ellen's voice.

"With all due respect, Amanda, only a few people know the truth; if you really wanted to, you could stay."

"With the utmost respect, Madeleine, I have made my decision. Please do me the courtesy of accepting it."

"With every conceivable respect, Amanda, it isn't too late to change your mind."

"Maddie," there was a note of panic in Dr. Carter's voice, "I'm having a Hansel-and-Gretel moment, do you know where we are and how to get back?"

"I never understood how someone with your terrible sense of direction could have taken so many solitary horse rides," Mrs. Wheeler chuckled.

"I relied on Firefly's sense of direction. I figured, eventually, he'll get tired or hungry and take me home." Mary Ellen laughed. "My car is not that considerate. I'm constantly getting lost."

"Where is your apartment?" Mrs. Wheeler asked. "You'll be leaving soon. There can't be any reason for secrecy."

"It's on Davis near Main." As Mary Ellen spoke, Trixie thought that this was another ploy of Dr. Carter's not to reveal too much information about her recent past.

"You do have the world's worst sense of direction, Amanda. That can't be; those streets are parallel." Mrs. Wheeler admonished.

"No, they're not." Dr. Carter argued. "The post office is at the corner of Main and Davis and I live near there."

"The post office is on Riverside at Davis. I think I know where you are. There's a building at Riverside and Main. You're hopeless."

Mary Ellen retorted, "Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds ever born, postulated that parallel lines eventually meet. If that's good enough for a certified genius, it's good enough for a mere mortal such as myself".

"Einstein didn't win the Nobel Prize for relativity ; he won for the photoelectric effect," Mrs. wheeler reminded her.

"I'm a physic-ian, Maddie, not a physic-ist," Dr. Carter laughed.

"Come on, Einstein, let's go home. I hope the animals didn't eat that trail of breadcrumbs I left," Mrs. Wheeler said, worriedly. "I'm just teasing you," she assured her sister.

When the voices moved out of earshot. Honey gathered up the reins and galloped away blindly. Trixie followed her. Honey didn't stop until they were deep in the woods. When Trixie reached her, Honey was kneeling on the ground crying uncontrollably. "All those years, I thought she didn't like me. I didn't know Mother was ill. I remember the day Mother came home. I wanted to punish her just like Bobby used to get revenge whenever one of you made him angry. It was the only time in my life that I ever deliberately wanted to hurt someone. Looks like I did a pretty good job, didn't I?" Honey began to cry again.

Trixie sat beside her friend, holding her and trying to think of something comforting to say. It was odd to hear the story Mr. Wheeler had told them in the attic from Mrs. Wheeler's point of view. When Mr. Wheeler described his wife's breakdown, his actions had seemed so reasonable. When Mrs. Wheeler described her experience, it sounded like Mr. Wheeler's actions had destroyed his wife.

"Honey, what's in the past can't be changed. You know now that you're mother loved you so much that you were her lifeline through the most difficult time in her life." Trixie soothed her friend.

"Yes, and if Daddy hadn't sent her away, I wouldn't have had all those years of doubt," Honey sobbed.

"If there's one thing we learned in the past few days, it's that your mother doesn't like to talk about her feelings. Your dad couldn't have predicted what would happen to your mother when she was in hospital. Try to imagine how guilty he felt. He must have been beside himself with worry. I think he realizes that he was wrong. He did say that if he could change anything he wouldn't have separated you and your mother. Sometimes, desperate people do the wrong things with the right motives." Trixie looked thoughtful. "I think everything happens for a reason. If none of that had happened, you might never have moved to Sleepyside and we might never have met."

Honey sat up. "I guess you're right. I don't like to imagine what my life might be like without the Bob-Whites. Thanks, Trixie." Honey wiped away the last of her tears.

 

Chapter 15

Saturday came all too soon. It was the last full day of Brian and Jim's vacation as well as Amanda's last day in Sleepyside. Mrs. Wheeler had insisted that Amanda spend the day at Manor House. Mrs. Wheeler and Amanda spent the morning looking at old photographs. If Amanda didn't remember or recognize something, Mr. Wheeler didn't jump down her throat. Mr. Wheeler and Dr. Carter appeared to have declared a truce for the day. Both seemed to realize that the day would be difficult enough for Mrs. Wheeler without their bickering.

Realizing that the two women might want some time together in private, Jim suggested that they go to Wimpy's for lunch. There was a prolonged debate over who would drive the BWG station wagon. Mart suggested that neither Honey nor Trixie be allowed to drive it again as it had broken down the last time they had it. The others hooted this down and finally it was agreed that Jim would drive them into the village. As they stopped to buy gas, Mart whistled at the long limousine that was at the next pump. The limo driver was talking to the attendant.

They group sat at their usual booths and ordered hamburgers. The group chatted and laughed, glad to be away from the stress prevalent at the Manor House during the preceding week.

"Hey, guys," Mart said, "isn't that the same limo we saw earlier?" The BWGs looked out to see the driver open the door and two men got out. They were well dressed and handsome, yet Trixie shivered. These men frightened her. The driver looked like a thug but Trixie knew that the other men were more dangerous.

"We have to get out of here!" Honey sounded scared.

It was too late. The men entered the diner and walked to the counter. Trixie could feel their cold eyes as they surveyed the room. They sat at a nearby booth, ordered coffee, and prepared to leave as soon as they had finished. Trixie could see the older man talking to the man at the counter. As he turned to leave, he doffed his hat and smiled at the Bob-Whites. It was not an inviting smile.

The group watched the men get into the car and pull out of the parking lot. "I don't know who those men are, but I think Honey's right, we should get out of here." Jim said.

"We're in a hurry, Dave, he said to the man behind the counter. Just add it to our tab."

"No need," Dave responded, "the guys who just left paid for your lunch. Settled your whole tab. Said they were old friends of the Wheelers."

The group raced to the station-wagon and piled in. "Those guys didn't look very friendly to me." Mart said. The others nodded. "Do you recognize them, Honey?" Honey shook her head.

Jim grimaced. "I know who they are. I wanted to see how much of Dr. Carter's story I could verify so I checked the newspaper files using Dad's Lexis/Nexis® account. A major mob bust did happen a month after Amanda died. There was a pretty bloody succession war to see who would head the mob family after the indictments were handed down. The older man in the limo won; he's Vincente Garcia, reputed head of the Russo crime family. The police have never been able to make any charges stick to him. Mario Garcia died in a prison riot."

"The younger guy is his son, Giacomo. He was about fifteen at the time of the trials. A real psychopath by all accounts. At least, the boss of my old gang was in was scared to death of him. The driver must be one of their goons. He was carrying a gun; I could tell by the bulge in his jacket," Dan added.

"They're after Aunt Amanda. We have to warn her," Honey said urgently. "Let's go. Hurry, Jim!"

"I am hurrying, Honey, in so far as the law allows." Jim replied. "Oh no, looks like we're being followed." The others looked behind to see the long black car. It was getting closer.

"They're trying to run us off the road." Mart shouted. "They know Amanda isn't with us. Why would they do that?"

"Because we know where Amanda Hart is," Trixie told him. "They'll try to force us to tell them."

"It may be worse than that, Trixie. We have something more valuable to them than information." Dan said.

"We don't have anything they'd want. They don't even know us. They were only able to recognize Honey because she looks so much like her mother," Diana said.

"He means Honey, don't you, Dan?" Trixie said.

Dan nodded. "You said yourself, Honey, that your mother wouldn't let go of her sister very easily. What if she was forced to make a trade, your life for Amanda's?"

Honey didn't respond. She had turned deathly pale. All her life she had lived with the fear of being kidnapped.

"If they'd taken Honey, what would they have done to us?" Diana asked.

"You don't get to be the head of a major criminal organization by leaving witnesses," Jim answered tersely.

"They're catching up on us," Trixie cried. "Do something, Jim! Why are you slowing down?"

"I am doing something, Trix. I'm taking Martin Road. There are lots of tight turns. Tom said he wouldn't like to drive our limousine on it because it turns like a bus. Their car is even longer. They shouldn't be able to follow us." The others heaved a sigh of relief.

"Jim, see if you can find somewhere to pull over, I think Honey needs some air," Brian ordered.

"Will do. Hang on, Sis," Jim said. "There's a driveway not too far ahead. It's easy to miss if you don't know about it." Jim skillfully maneuvered the car into the tree-lined driveway and stopped where the wagon wouldn't be visible from the road. Brian helped Honey from the car and carried her to a fallen log. When she sat down, he gently pushed her head between her knees. He bent down and the others could hear his low voice talking to Honey although they couldn't hear his words.

When Honey recovered, the Bob-Whites discussed this latest development. "If it hadn't been for your quick thinking, Jim, we would have led those men directly to the Amanda," Trixie said admiringly. "And you were awfully smart to check the library files."

Jim flushed. "Don't thank me too fast. Everyone in Sleepyside knows where we live. It's only a matter of time before they find the Manor House. I think we better hurry home so that we can warn Mother and Dad and Dr. Carter."

"How did they find out about Amanda? The only people who knew are our families and some of the staff at Manor House." Mart wondered. "Surely, they're all above reproach."

"One other person knew," Trixie reminded them."Amanda said she called one of the agents. Maybe, they found out through the feds ... a crooked agent."

"You think Amanda might have been betrayed by the people entrusted with her safety?" Dan asked. Dan planned to become a police office and stories of crooked cops made him mad clear through.

"There's a lot of that going around," Honey said quietly after she and Brian got back in the car. "We'd better get home as quickly as possible and warn our family.

The Bob-Whites hurried to the Manor House. The Wheelers and Dr. Carter were looking at old photo albums. Mr. Wheeler glanced up as the Bob-Whites entered the room and demanded to know what was wrong. As the Bob-Whites explained about the men who had been following them, Mrs. Wheeler and her sister put their arms around each other, their faces stricken. Both looked even more afraid as they heard the sound of a car coming up the driveway.

They crossed to the window and looked out, being careful to stay in the shadows. "Jim's right. That is Vincente Garcia, Mario's father. I guess we know why he's here," Dr. Carter said slowly as she put on her coat and picked up her shoulder bag.

"No, you don't have to leave. We'll hide you," Mrs. Wheeler offered.

"Where?" Dr. Carter asked hopelessly. "He and his henchmen will tear this place apart looking for me and if they can't find me, they will force you to tell them what they want to know. My life isn't worth risking the lives of everyone in this room. Maddie, I'm not going to ask you to choose between me and your family. I can walk out that door alone or we can all be carried out in body bags. If you can't make the tough decisions, Matthew will."

"You are my family," Mrs. Wheeler insisted. "I've spent the last twelve years punishing myself because I wasn't able to save you. I don't want to do that for the rest of my life."

"No, Madeleine, think about what you're saying," Dr. Carter urged. "You might be willing to risk your life, but you have no right to ask everyone else to risk theirs. Think of their families. You know how much it hurts to lose someone you love, do you want their families to feel that kind of grief?"

"When you put it like that, it sounds like I'm a monster," Mrs. Wheeler said quietly.

"No, Maddie, I don't mean that at all. The Russo family has been the monster under my bed for most of my adult life. It's time for me to grow up and face my fear. I'll never be free unless I do." Dr. Carter turned toward the door. "It's time for me to leave."

"Sit down, Amanda, let me handle this," Mrs. Wheeler commanded. Her voice carried an edge of authority that Trixie had never heard before. Even Honey and her father stared at Mrs. Wheeler. The two women stared at each other in a test of wills. Mary Ellen's eyes faltered and she reached up to brush away a tear that was running down her face. "Pull yourself together, Amanda. I have an idea. Trust me."

Dr. Carter let her purse slowly drop to the floor. She turned to catch Trixie's eye and nudged the purse under an upholstered chair with her foot. Trixie nodded almost imperceptibly as a pact was made between the two women. Whatever was in that bag, Dr. carter wanted to ensure that it didn't wind up in the hands of the Russo family. Dr. Carter moved to take the seat Mrs. Wheeler had indicated. She stared down at the carpet.

Trixie watched Mrs. Wheeler move to clasp Jim's hand, touch Honey's cheek, caress her husband's arm. She is saying goodbye, Trixie thought. Honey said her mother wouldn't give up Amanda and now she's chosen to save her sister even if it means sacrificing Honey, Jim, Mr. Wheeler and all of the Bob-Whites. Honey knows it, too. I can see it in her face.

 

Chapter 16

The doorbell rang. Mr. Garcia and his son entered. Mrs. Wheeler moved to greet them. "Signore Garcia," she said, raising her cheek for a kiss, "it's been much too long. What brings you to Sleepyside? I'm so glad that you were able to make time to see us. Won't you sit down? And is that Giacomo? He's grown so tall, I almost didn't recognize him." She held her hand out to the scowling man who looked so much like him father, but without the charm.

"Madeleine, as beautiful and charming as ever," Mr. Garcia said as he kissed her cheek.

Trixie wondered where the chauffeur was. Her question was answered when a commotion from the front hall startled the group gathered in the living room. Tom and Regan entered the living room at gunpoint. The chauffeur reported that the two men were the only people he found in the garage and stables.

While the chauffeur's attention was fixed on his boss, Regan took a swing at the chauffeur, knocking him to the ground. Giacomo Garcia drew a gun and aimed it at the groom. Trixie was surprised. Dan had recognized that the chauffeur was armed, but had missed the gun the other man carried.

As the chauffeur picked himself up, Mrs. Wheeler spoke. "Regan, these men are our guests. I expect you to treat them with courtesy and respect." She turned to the older man, "I do apologize; our servants are so loyal that they sometimes forget their place and are overzealous. I assure you Matthew and I will deal with him later."

"Of course," Mr. Garcia acknowledged, "Frankie can be overzealous himself. He's in charge of my personal security. I'm sure you have no objection to his searching the rest of the house, purely as a security precaution." He studied Mrs. Wheeler for a moment. "You remind me of your mother. She's quite a formidable woman.

Mrs. Wheeler smiled. "Not at all. But there's no need to search. I'd love to take you on a tour of the house. Celia, please bring some coffee for our guests or would you prefer tea? I know you've had a long drive."

Trixie was amazed that Mrs. Wheeler could sit calmly offering refreshments to the men who wanted to kill her sister and might kill everyone in the room. Amanda was still at the Manor House, in this very room, in fact. Mrs. Wheeler couldn't be stalling for time to allow Amanda to escape. These men were professional killers. There was no way to wrestle the guns away from them without starting a bloodbath.

After Celia brought in the coffee. Mrs. Wheeler poured coffee for her guests and her family without even so much as a tremour. "So, what brings you to Sleepyside? We haven't seen you since Amanda's memorial service. I hope this is a happier occasion."

"Ah, Amanda is what brings me to Sleepyside," Mr. Garcia replied. "My sources tell me that Amanda has returned like a phoenix from the ashes. She and I have some unfinished business."

"Your sources have been misinformed, I'm afraid," Mrs. Wheeler told him. "Amanda is dead. I accepted that fact a long time ago."

Mr. Garcia began to circle the room. "Is that true? I've heard differently." He stopped in front of Celia, "Too short." He continued to reject the other female staff members. When he reached Miss Trask, he ordered her to stand. "The height is about right but she's too old. I wonder if Amanda would be so clever as to make herself look older." When Mrs. Wheeler didn't respond, he said, "I'm growing tired of this." He motioned to Frankie to take Honey. Honey screamed when Frankie grabbed her. Brian and Mr. Wheeler stepped forward, but hesitated when Frankie pointed his gun at Honey and Giacomo waved his gun at the group.

"Is this little Honey?" Giacomo asked silkily. "She's grown into quite a beauty and I see she already has an admirer." He stroked her cheek softly. "So young, with her whole life ahead of her. And yet, so many lives are tragically cut short, like my brother Mario's."

Trixie swallowed hard. As she watched the horror on Honey's face, she understood that sometimes a caress can be worse than a blow. By now everyone was on their feet, waiting for Mrs. Wheeler's next words.

"And my sister, Amanda," Mrs. Wheeler countered sadly. "I'm sure that Mandy and Mario are together still. They were very much in love."

Mr. Garcia sighed, "You're trying my patience. Now tell me what I want to know. Where is Amanda?"

"I already told you. Amanda's dead," Mrs. Wheeler insisted. "There was a young woman who called herself Amanda. She told some ludicrous tale about having amnesia after the accident." Mrs. Wheeler indicated Dr. Carter .

As Mrs. Wheeler spoke, Giacomo Garcia released his hold on Honey. Honey fell weakly to the floor. Brian rushed to her and sat holding her gently.

Mr. Garcia crossed to where Dr. Carter was standing. He held her face and studied it. Then he ordered he to turn around slowly. "You're taller than I remember and you look very different." He held Dr. Carter's chin and turned her face as if to study it. As his finger brushed her neck, he stopped and pulled out the necklace. He turned to Mrs. Wheeler. "So why do you think this woman isn't Amanda?"

Mrs. Wheeler answered. "As you said, she's too tall. There were certain inconsistencies between her behaviour and what I knew about my sister. We practically had to force her to ride a horse. She made a number of factual errors which I didn't think Amanda would have made. I admit that I wanted desperately to have Amanda back. Matthew never believed she was Amanda and the errors were too blatant for me to ignore for very long. I allowed her to continue the charade because it was amusing to watch her try to trick me." She smiled unpleasantly at Dr. Carter. "So little amuses me. She really had no idea that I could see right through her."

"She has Amanda's necklace," Giacomo stated.

"There was extensive media coverage of the accident, as I'm sure you'll remember. Amanda's photograph was on magazine covers and in newspapers. The necklace was prominently displayed in all those pictures. The entire set was also featured in a book about the artist who crafted my grandmother's pieces. Any competent jeweler could make a copy based on those photos. I'm sure it looks well enough to the untrained eye or to someone not very familiar with the original. If you check, you'll see that it's a cheap imitation ... not unlike the person wearing it," Mrs. Wheeler said dismissively.

Trixie watched as Mrs. Wheeler coolly discussed Dr. Carter with the Garcias. Amanda never claimed to have amnesia. I said that. This reminds me of something, she thought. Then she remembered. A vision rose in front of her : Honey sitting in the hayloft of an abandoned barn trying to convince Al and Jeff that she, Trixie, Jim and Miss Trask were trailer thieves.

Dr. Carter leaned against the desk. "Guess you're not as stupid as you look," she said matter-of-factly. "Amanda was right; you did get all the brains in the family."

"How kind of you to say so," Mrs. Wheeler smiled. Her hazel eyes stared into Dr. Carter's brown eyes. "I suppose you were after money."

"Like I said, you're smarter than you look," Dr. Carter jeered. "Did you think it was for the pleasure of your company?"

"How did you know so much about Amanda?" Trixie asked.

"We were at school together. I listened to Amanda whine about her perfect sister and how homesick she was for months. It was very tiresome. My father lost all his money and I had to leave boarding school. I thought the Wheelers would be an easy mark to make some quick money," Dr. Carter admitted. "I must say, I didn't expect any of this. What's going on?"

Mr. Garcia told how he believed Amanda had cooperated with the police. "Amanda destroyed my son. She helped the police destroy my family," he accused.

"That wimp!? Hello!" Dr. Carter scoffed. "She was scared of her own shadow. And she was a brain-donor. The light in her eyes was the sun shining between her ears."

Matthew Wheeler stepped forward. "Get out of my house!" he ordered Dr. Carter. "Don't ever come near my wife again."

Dr. Carter headed toward the door. Mr. Garcia reached out to stop her. "Perhaps, my dear Madeleine, you'd like me to escort this woman from your estate. It would be my very great pleasure to ensure that she never bothers you again."

Mrs. Wheeler slowly turned to face the group at the doorway. "That's very generous of you. However, that would deny me the pleasure of ruining her life." She crossed the room to stand before Dr. Carter. "Let me see," she mused, "I could have your medical license revoked. Oh, I know! Money is very important to you. Matthew, darling, what is the name of that lovely man you know at the IRS? I'm sure there are entire generations of your extended family who haven't yet been audited." She stopped abruptly as Dr. Carter slapped her face. Mrs. Wheeler stood, rubbing her cheek. "I believe you were leaving. Allow me to show you out."

She escorted Dr. Carter and the three men to the door. Trixie and the others could hear her chatting lightly with the Garcias. After the door closed, Trixie heard a horrible cry, the sound of a heart breaking. Mr. Wheeler rushed into the foyer. A few moments later, he slowly returned carrying his wife. Tears poured down Mrs. Wheeler's face. Her face was contorted in a cry of anguish, all the worse because her cry was silent. He carried her to the sofa.

"How long have you known she wasn't Amanda?" he asked after Mrs. Wheeler had regained her composure.

"Oh, Matthew, she is Amanda," Mrs. Wheeler said.

"I can't believe that you would hand Amanda over to those men," Mr. Wheeler said, shaking his head.

"I'd like to think, Matthew, that you wouldn't believe I was capable of handing anyone over to them," Mrs. Wheeler said bitterly.

"Of course, I know that," her husband assured her. "It's just that Amanda means so much to you."

"I thought that if they believed Amanda was already dead, they would have no reason to hurt her. It was the only way I could think to protect her. I guess I wasn't very convincing." Mrs. Wheeler sobbed.

"I think you were brilliant, Mrs. Wheeler," Trixie assured her. "It sounded like you really wanted to punish Dr. Carter."

"I didn't spend my formative years watching my mother eviscerate servants and tradespeople without learning a thing or two," Mrs. Wheeler admitted ruefully. "I hoped it would be enough. Obviously it wasn't; else, they wouldn't have taken her away."

"They'll want to verify your story, Mrs. Wheeler," Dan said. He didn't need to say that the Garcias had very effective means of obtaining information.

"I didn't even get to say goodbye. There wasn't time." Mrs. Wheeler cried. "I just tossed her out like she was garbage."

Trixie bent down to retrieve the purse Dr. Carter had left under the chair and handed it to Mrs. Wheeler. "I think Amanda left this for you." Mrs. Wheeler opened the purse and extracted an envelope and a small box like a bracelet box.

She opened the box. She drew out two test tubes filled with blood. "Amanda and I discussed this. One sample is mine and one is Amanda's. It was the only evidence you would accept, Matthew. She said it would give us all peace of mind."

"She didn't provide the blood samples until just before she left," Mart reminded her.

"This is solid science, not voodoo. The test results will be the same whether Amanda is here or not. There are two more samples in our safe. I put them there myself and they haven't been touched," Mrs. Wheeler replied.

She opened the envelope and took out a letter. As she read, she still had tears in her eyes but she started to smile. "There were a lot of things left unsaid when Mandy left. She says most of them in this letter." She folded the letter.

"Does she say where she's going?" Trixie asked.

"No," Mrs. Wheeler responded. "Just that she'll be all right and not to worry. I never believed the danger was real until today. Amanda is romantic, in the gothic sense of the word. I thought she was imagining things. I should have let her go when she told us why she left in the first place."

Matthew Wheeler glanced at Honey, who was still cradled in Brian's arms. "Why are your hands on my daughter's body? Either you remove them or I will." Brian and Honey abruptly released each other and moved apart. Honey tried to explain that she and Brian were dating. "You're too young to date a boy with a car. You're too young to date anyone."

"But, Daddy," Honey said. "Brian's car breaks down most of the time." As she spoke, Honey realized that was a mistake. For the first time in her life, she looked to her mother for help. Mrs. Wheeler gave Honey a quick smile.

"That doesn't make me feel any better," Matthew Wheeler said, angrily.

"Matthew, he's a nice boy," Mrs. Wheeler reminded him.

"I was a nice boy and Honey wouldn't be allowed to date me." He glared at Brian. "I know what nice boys are capable of thinking ... and doing."

"Oh? Apparently, it was all right for Honey's mother," Mrs. Wheeler countered. "Is that what you're saying?"

"Yes ... No ... I mean ... That was different.... We were older, more mature. I wasn't interested in having a good time when I was dating you," Matthew Wheeler protested.

"I see! I wonder why you wanted to marry me if dating me was a such a chore," Mrs. Wheeler responded. "FINE!"

Mr. Wheeler struggled to think of a way to placate his wife. He knew from experience that when she said 'fine', in that tone of voice, she usually meant the opposite. "He's a nice boy," he said weakly as he sat beside her.

"I've always liked Brian," Mrs. Wheeler agreed.

"Honey is a good girl. We can depend on her good sense not to do anything she'll regret. I'm sure Miss Trask has had a talk with Honey about growing up and boys and ... that sort of thing," Mr. Wheeler said.

"Miss Trask is always most efficient. I'm sure she wouldn't have neglected something that important. In any case, I'll talk to Honey as well. Someone has to tell her about 'nice boys', after all." Mrs. Wheeler patted her husband's hand.

"I'm sorry; that didn't come out the way I meant it," Matthew said ruefully, then he brightened. "I've been thinking, a good jeweler might be able to make a necklace which would complement your grandmother's original pieces. Perhaps, we could go to the city and make arrangements to have a piece commissioned?"

"What a perfectly perfect suggestion, Matthew. I'd like that very much." Mrs. Wheeler smiled at him.

"If he hurts her, I'll hurt him," Matthew Wheeler declared, glaring at Brian.

"We could call Giacomo. I'm certain he'd be able to recommend someone who does that sort of thing professionally." She smiled sweetly at Brian as she spoke. Brian gulped. It was becoming apparent to everyone that Mrs. Wheeler was even scarier than Mr. Wheeler was where people she loved were concerned.

"Good idea! I'll have Tom bring the car around." Mr. Wheeler paused. "Should I lie down in front of the car and have Tom run over me a few times?"

Mrs. Wheeler laughed. "That won't be necessary, darling. I've decided to be magnanimous and forgive you. However, if you ever say anything like that again, I might not be so gracious." She teased.

Mr. Wheeler smiled and bent down to kiss his wife. "I'll keep that in mind."

After he left the room, Honey ran to her mother and hugged her. Trixie watched the two women together. It was good to see Honey and her mother becoming closer.

 

Chapter 17

A few weeks later, Dan flopped down beside Mart on the school bus. "David Maypenny called last evening. He's coming down today for a few hours to visit. Can you all come over to Mr. Maypenny's for a cookout?"

Mart spoke up, "That sounds great. There's nothing better than Mr. Maypenny's hunter's stew. Brian and Jim should be here by then. They want to be here tomorrow for the opening of the new children's wing."

"That's odd," Trixie said. "He doesn't usually come down during the week. I wonder what's up."

Dan winked at Mart. He turned to Trixie, "You're right, Trix. There is something mysterious about David's visit."

Trixie grew excited, "what is it?"

Dan shook his head, "I'm not sure, exactly. David said he had to meet with your folks, Honey, about some tests he did for them."

Trixie snapped her fingers. "David Maypenny works in a medical lab. Maybe he performed the genetic tests on the blood samples."

Di shivered, "So we may finally know for sure whether Dr. Carter was Amanda." She looked at Honey, who turned pale. "Are you OK?"

Honey nodded. "I'm not sure what result I'm hoping for," she said. "I like Dr. Carter and I like Mother when she's with Amanda. But I'm not sure how Mother will cope if she finds out she's lost her sister a second time. I wish Brian was here."

The other Bob-Whites, except Diana, rolled their eyes. Ever since Brian and Honey had started dating, Honey had become more reliant on Brian. Diana thought it was romantic. Trixie was feeling jealous. She almost regretted ever having told Brian how Honey felt about him. Now I know how Mr. Wheeler felt when Amanda came back. He's not used to sharing Mrs. Wheeler any more than I'm used to sharing Honey, Trixie thought. I hardly see Honey anymore when Brian's home. Before, I was Honey's best friend and she told me everything. Now, she turns to Brian first. I love Brian and I love Honey. I just don't think I like BrianandHoney. What if they break up? That would be worse, the Bob-Whites would never be the same. Maybe I'll introduce a motion that Bob-Whites can't date other Bob-Whites. No, scratch that. That would mean Jim is off-limits. He might even think I'm trying to tell him I'm not interested! Mart and Di would vote against it anyway. I just wish that Honey's having a boyfriend didn't mean she forgets all about her girlfriends.

Dan reached over to Honey, "She'll have lost Amanda twice, whatever the outcome. Even if it turns out that Dr. Carter wasn't Amanda, your mother thought she was."

Mart chimed in, "Dan's right. Reality is only how a person perceives the world. If your mother believed strongly enough that Amanda had returned, then she had as far as your mother was concerned."

Trixie found it hard to concentrate during the day. Soon we'll know. I think she is Amanda. I thought not knowing was bad; but once we know the truth, it may be worse. Mrs. Wheeler has been 'walking on a tightrope of insanity' for weeks. The wrong answer may plunge her over the edge. Who am I kidding? Any answer may plunge her over the edge. Mr. Wheeler and Honey have lived through that once. I hope they don't have to go through it again.

Brian and Jim met them after school. The Bob-Whites all piled into the station wagon and headed for the Manor House. Jim told them that David Maypenny had arrived a short time ago. He was in the library talking to Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler. He and Brian had also reached the conclusion that David's surprise visit had something to do with the blood tests. When they reached the Manor House, Mr. Wheeler was shaking hands with David Maypenny. David waved to the Bob-Whites and said how much he was looking forward seeing all of them at the cookout later that evening. As they exchanged small-talk, Trixie felt it had never before cost her so much effort to be polite. That isn't fair of me. David is being friendly. He doesn't know how anxious we all are to hear the test results. Finally, he left them to go visit his uncle.

Mr. Wheeler waited for the Bob-Whites on the steps. Even before they reached him, the Bob-Whites asked about the test results. True to form, Trixie and Mart wanted to know the test results first, whereas Honey and Brian wanted to know how Mrs. Wheeler was coping. Mr. Wheeler looked at them with raised eyebrows, "how did you know that David was delivering the test results? Forget it, with two detectives on the premises, I should have known you'd figure that out."

He led them into the living room where Mrs. Wheeler sat sobbing. She was staring into space and didn't react when the Bob-Whites entered the room. Mr. Wheeler sat beside her and put his arms around her. "I'm so sorry, Madeleine," he said softly.

"So, it wasn't Amanda after all," Mart said.

Mr. Wheeler cleared his throat, "According to David, the two samples share many characteristics. It is highly unlikely that such a close match would occur randomly. The samples are definitely from people who are closely related. He said that, if he had to guess, he would guess they were from siblings. She was Amanda." He turned to his wife, "I'm sorry, Madeleine. I should never have doubted you. If I had believed in you, Amanda might still be here."

"Or the rest of us wouldn't be here at all." Jim reminded him. "When Amanda left, you did the only thing you could to save her and everyone else too. You know she fully intended to leave. Amanda's a survivor; I'm sure, wherever she is, she's OK."

Mrs. Wheeler reached out for his hand. "Thank you, Jim. I know she's all right. I can feel it." Jim nodded, assuming that Mrs. Wheeler was trying to take what comfort she could from the situation. He and Brian had not been present in the attic when Mr. Wheeler described his wife's breakdown. Trixie, Mart, Dan, Diana, and especially Honey and Mr. Wheeler recognized the significance of her words. Trixie felt a chill go down her spine. Was this the end of Honey's happy family?

Brian spoke up. "If she remains Dr. Mary Ellen Carter, it should be easy to find her. There are several medical directories that list doctors' names and addresses along with their qualifications. She did say that she had a job in private practice. I got to know her pretty well when she was tutoring me; she wouldn't give up being a doctor, I'm sure of that. I know she did her pediatrics specialization at the University in Iowa City, which is affiliated with the Children's Hospital of Iowa. Maybe the alumni department may be able give you some information."

As Brian spoke, Mrs. Wheeler stopped sobbing. Her face lost its gray pallor and she became more animated. Mr. Wheeler cut him off. "If Amanda survived her encounter with the Garcias, you can be sure they're going to watch us for a while to see if we try to contact her. Tracking her down may only put everyone in danger again. Let her go, Madeleine. It's time you said good-bye to Amanda."

"I know what you're thinking, Matthew," Mrs. Wheeler said. "You're thinking that I'm going to have another serious breakdown. You needn't worry. I promise I won't try to see her. If she ever wants to come back, I'll be here ... even if it takes another twelve years. I just need to know she's alive and well. I need to know I didn't send Amanda to her death. Right now, I want to be alone." She excused herself and left the room.

Mr. Wheeler turned to Honey and Jim. "Your mother has to give a speech opening the children's wing tomorrow. After that, I think it would be a good idea if she got away from Sleepyside for awhile. I'm going to take her on a vacation, a second honeymoon. We may be gone several weeks. Miss Trask and Regan are well able to look after things here if any problems should arise." Mr. Wheeler left in search of his wife.

"You were right, Trix," Mart said, "Dr. Carter was Amanda Hart."

"I'm right about something else," Trixie replied in a determined voice. "Someday, we'll see her again. We owe that to Mrs. Wheeler."

Trixie sat in the audience with the other Bob-Whites as the hospital chairman gave a long-winded speech welcoming everyone to the ceremony officially opening the new children's wing. He talked of the history of the Sleepyside Hospital, its service to the community, and the tireless efforts of the committee who organized the fund-raising for the project. He then introduced Mrs. Madeleine Wheeler who would dedicate the new wing. Mrs. Wheeler spoke briefly, yet eloquently. She spoke of the important work done by the staff of the hospital in saving lives and curing sick children, envisioning a world in which a children's hospital would no longer be necessary. Finally, she unveiled the plaque endowing the Amanda Hart Memorial Children's Wing.

The End

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