*all ages

Disclaimer: I do not own and have no right to tell the newest adventures of these beloved friends from my childhood. I’m just borrowing them for an excursion into the bygone days of $50 cars.

Author’s note: For the purposes of this (and future) stories, Jim and Brian are high school seniors, Dan and Mart are sophomores, the girls are freshmen and Hallie is in eighth grade. Yes, they will grow older as the stories go on.

Gone Horribly Wrong

Part 1

By Yankeegirl

 

 

Trixie Belden and her best friend Honey Wheeler sat on the back steps of the Belden farmhouse. The clear April night sky was studded with stars. The two fourteen-year-olds tried to relax as they listened to Mart and Dan arguing over their science project, but it was a lost cause.

"What do you think our brothers are up to?" Honey asked. Her voice was light, but her hazel eyes clouded with worry.

"I don’t know," Trixie said, her voice filled with frustration. "They’ve been acting odd all week. She ran a restless hand through her sandy curls. "They haven’t included Mart or Dan either. It’s awful mysterious."

"Stop right there, Beatrix," came a voice through the open kitchen window. Trixie tilted her head back to face Mart and stuck her tongue out.

"Don’t you find it strange how they’ve been disappearing all week?" Honey said, hoping to forstall another argument between the two.

"It’s obvious that the eldest members of our secret society are merely engaging in the time-honored pastime of befuddling the faculty at the local institute of secondary education," Mart said as he and Dan joined the girls on the steps.

"Speak English, please," Trixie pleaded.

Dan smiled as he translated. "As your polysyllabic brother tried to say, Brian and Jim are working on the senior prank."

"Is it that time of year already?" Honey asked. "I was kind of hoping we still had a while."

The four teens faces had identically sad expressions as they realized Brian and Jim were close to graduation.

Trixie and Mart looked eerily similar with their shared blond hair, blue eyes and freckles. Only Mart’s crew cut kept him from looking like his younger sister.

Honey twisted a piece of her light brown hair absently in her fingers, and Dan sat on the porch swing. His shaggy, dark hair curled around his ears.

Together with Diana Lynch, Brian Belden and Jim Frayne, Honey’s adopted older brother, the seven teens formed a secret club – the BobWhites – whose mission was to help others.

Finally, Dan smiled. "What are we all looking so glum about?" he asked. "Graduation is still two months away."

"Then why pull the prank so early?" Trixie said. "Usually they wait until a week or so before."

"Remember what happened last year," Honey said. "After they uncovered all the walls, Mr. Stratton and the teachers decided to crack down on senior pranks."

Trixie laughed, remembering the looks on everyone’s faces the previous year when they walked into school to find paper covering every inch of the school hallways. It took almost an hour to tear it all down so students and teacher could get to their lockers and classrooms.

"So they decided to pull the prank early this year," Trixie said. "Makes sense to me. I wonder what they’re going to do."

"I guess we’ll just have to postpone our curiosity until our education resumes Monday to find out," Mart said.

"Honestly, Mart, don’t you ever stop talking like a walking dictionary," Trixie said, exasperated. "Come on, Honey. Let’s leave these two to their bangs and fizzes."

The girls headed up to Trixie’s room, where Honey was spending the night. They talked and giggled for another hour before going to sleep. After about fifteen minutes, they heard the back door bang as Dan walked out into the game preserve on his way back to Mr. Maypenny’s cabin. Trixie didn’t remember anything else until the alarm clock woke her up the next morning.

*     *     *

Jim quietly pulled the station wagon into the Manor House driveway. He and Brian pulled their BobWhite jackets from the car and crept toward the house.

"It’s a good thing Honey’s spending the night at our house instead of Trixie staying here," Brian whispered. "She’d convince Honey to wait up for us so they could question us like one of her suspects."

Jim waited until they were in his bedroom before replying. "That’s why I asked you to stay here tonight. It works out better this way, anyway. With Mother and Dad away and Ms. Trask in the middle of allergy season, there’s no one to ask a whole lot of questions. Once Ms. Trask takes her allergy medicine, she’s out like a light."

"Good," Brian said. He pulled a piece of straw from his hair. "We should have gone for a midnight ride to cover our tracks. Celia’s going to wonder where this mess came from."

"I went riding earlier and made sure to track some straw into the house before we left. Ms. Trask will complain to Regan, but I can handle that."

Brian pictured past arguments between the two fiery-tempered redheads and grimaced. "I take it back. Maybe it would have been easier to face Trixie."

The two boys tossed their clothes in the laundry basket and crawled into bed. Soon Brian’s gentle snores told Jim his best friend was asleep. But sleep didn’t come that easily for the boy. Brian’s words echoed in his mind.

"What will Mother and Dad say about this?" he thought. "I’m supposed to be the good kid, reliable Jim. Everyone counts on Brian and I to keep Trixie and the others out of trouble. Who’s keeping me out of trouble?"

Jim rolled over and looked out the window. He could just see the chimney of Crabapple Farm in the distance. He thought about all the love in the small farmhouse. Brian and the others always knew they had a place to go that would welcome them with open arms. He tried to block his next thought out of his mind, but it seemed as stubborn as Trixie on the trail of a mystery.

"Do I?"

*     *      *

Trixie hurried out the front door to the bus stop. Brian had avoided her ever since he got home from Jim’s yesterday morning. Anytime she’d managed to get him alone, Bobby or her parents showed up. Trixie wanted to know what the senior prank was, but not enough to get Brian in trouble. She waited impatiently, but Brian and Mart didn’t show up until right before the bus pulled up. Trixie stamped her foot in frustration before climbing on the bus. She plopped into the seat next to Honey with unnecessary vigor.

"You didn’t get any information from Brian, I take it,’’ Honey said, smiling sympathetically at the exasperated look on Trixie’s face.

"I would have had better luck understanding Mart in dictionary mode," Trixie said, groaning. "If you didn’t get something from Jim, I’ll just die."

"No, but it’s mostly Regan’s fault I didn’t. I guess Jim tracked hay from the barn into the house Saturday afternoon after exercising the horses, and Regan had him cleaning out the stables yesterday to make up for it. I think he took the car in today so he could get home early enough to take all the horses out this afternoon and still have time for his homework."

"Jim tracked hay into the house? That doesn’t sound like him. There’s something mysterious going on." As she said it, Trixie looked around to make sure none of the others heard her. They would just tease her about having mystery-it is, as always.

Honey giggled at the guilty look on Trixie’s face, but then turned thoughtful. "You know, Trix, you’re right. Jim usually nags us about cleaning up. And he didn’t even argue with Regan. Just apologized and started cleaning."

"Regan got mad at Jim and he didn’t yell back? I didn’t think you could have one of the redheads at your house mad at the other without an argument. It almost sounds like Jim knew Regan was going to yell at him. You know, Honey, we should have done this differently. Brian’s not going to tell his kid sister about something he did against the rules, and the same for Jim. We should have asked Dan to talk to them."

"Would they tell Dan? Would Dan tell us? And is Jim’s hay connected to the senior prank?"

"Gleeps, Honey. I don’t know. How likely is it that Jim’s involved in two mysterious things on the same day? I don’t know if they would tell Dan, but since he’s not related to either of them, he has a better chance than Mart or us."

"We could have asked Di. She’s not related to either of them," Honey said.

"You could have asked me what?" Di said, as she sat down in front of the other girls.

"To talk to our mysterious older brothers," Honey said. "They’ve been hiding things from us all week. Mart and Dan think it’s the senior prank. They were out late Saturday night, and Jim got yelled at by Regan and was positively meek about it."

"Really? I wish I had been around to talk to them, but my mother and I took both pairs of twins shopping yesterday," Di said.

The three girls talked about ways to get the boys to spill the beans until the bus pulled up at school.

They looked for evidence of the senior prank, but didn’t see any. When Trixie got to homeroom, though, she heard kids talking about the hallway between the gym and the cafeteria being blocked off. As soon as the bell rang, Mr. Stratton’s voice came over the loudspeaker.

"Would all seniors report to the auditorium immediately. Failure to attend will result in detention for the rest of the week."

Trixie stared at the loudspeaker in open shock as the rest of her homeroom erupted into confused speculation. The principal sounded serious. If only Honey and Di were in her homeroom instead of the one next door. She had to talk to them.

*     *     *

Jim and Brian had just settled into homeroom when Mr. Stratton made his announcement. Before he spoke the entire class had been trying to hide their glee at the prank, but giggles kept escaping. After the loud click that signaled the end of the announcement, the class was eerily quiet.

Mr. Crider, the art teacher and the boys’ homeroom teacher, sighed. "I suppose that means you all participated in this year’s prank. Frankly, I’m surprised at some of you. Now get down to the auditorium.

Brian looked at Jim as they walked down the hall. They whispered, like their classmates. Everyone seemed worried about what Mr. Stratton was going to say.

"Do you think we’re going to get in trouble?" Jim said. "I didn’t think Mr. Stratton would get so upset."

Brian’s dark eyes were troubled. "I don’t know. I didn’t think so either. We didn’t do anything really bad."

"Do you think our parents will get mad?" Jim’s heart sank into his stomach as they got closer to the auditorium. He couldn’t help but think about what the Wheelers would do if they found out.

"They might lecture us, but Trixie and Honey have proved that lectures aren’t fatal." Brian let the ghost of a smile cross his face. "If getting kidnapped umpteen times and chasing crooks across the country hasn’t gotten them in serious trouble, I don’t think a little hay will get us in trouble."

"Yeah, I guess you’re right." Jim didn’t feel as convinced as he sounded, but he wasn’t going to let anyone see he was afraid. That was lesson one from living with Jonesy – never let them see your weaknesses.

He and Brian joined the rest of their class in the auditorium, where Mr. Stratton and athletic director Coach Weebling standing on the stage, their faces frozen masks of disapproval. This wasn’t going to be pretty.

*     *     *

As soon as the bell rang, signaling the end of homeroom, Trixie raced for the door. She, Honey and Di had study hall first period. Moms and Dad had made her finish her homework Friday afternoon, so they could talk about Mr. Stratton’s announcement if they went to the library.

Honey and Di were already waiting when Trixie got to her locker.

"Come on," Honey said. "Let’s get to study hall so we can find a corner to talk privately."

The three girls managed to snag a table in the back corner, where Dan and Mart had already dropped their stuff.

"Aren’t you supposed to be in gym?" Di asked the boys. As bad as things looked, Trixcie couldn’t help smiling. Trust Di to know Mart’s schedule.

"Coach Weebling is at the meeting with the seniors," Dan said soberly. "All his classes are canceled for the day."

"Gleeps, that sounds serious," Trixie said. "Do you guys have any idea what’s going on?"

They all started talking at once, then all stopped. "Madame Co-President," Mart said, nodding at Trixie. "Perhaps we should have an emergency meeting."

"Sounds good," Trixie said. "Let’s start at the beginning. Di, can you take notes?"

Once Di had pulled out a fresh piece of paper, Trixie continued. "Let’s figure out what all the rumors are about the prank. If all 52 seniors were involved, one of them should have let something leak. Maybe if we look at all the rumors, we’ll see some patterns."

Honey started, and they all went around the table. By the time Trixie finished, Di had filled up both sides of the paper.

"I never realized there were this many rumors floating around school," Mart said. "And this is just from the first 15 minutes."

Trixie had to agree as she read down Di’s list. "Let’s see: Egging Mr. Stratton’s house, putting beehives in the locker rooms, egging the gym, leaving a horse in the gym, TP-ing the gym, hiding all the telephones in school, leaving a pig in the gym, gluing the doors shut, painting the gym, rearranging the books in the library, gluing the gym lockers shut…"

"Now wait a minute," Dan said. "Some of those we can cross off the list now. The doors weren’t glued shut and all these books look like they are in the right spots."

"Right, Dan," Honey said. "And if you and Mart are here because Coach Weebling is at the senior meeting, then it must have something to do with the gym and the athletes."

Di pulled out a second piece of paper and started writing some of the rumors down, while crossing others off the original list. She was almost done when the bell rang.

"We’ll meet again at lunch," Trixie said. "Jim and Brian should be out by then and we can talk to them. I think I know which ones are the most likely anyway."

With that, she rushed off to her next class.

*     *     *

Jim and Brian shifted uncomfortably in their seats, as Mr. Stratton and Coach Weebling continued to stare at them until the end of first period. After 45 long minutes, both boys wished he would hurry up and get it over with, as did the rest of the class. It wasn’t until the bell rang, signaling the start of second period, that Mr. Stratton spoke.

"Sleepyside Junior/Senior High School has always held a special place in my heart, as one of the finest schools I have ever been associated with," Mr. Stratton said. "And you young people are one reason why. Your class has always been a model for the younger students, and many of you promised to grow into fine men and women. Today, I almost wish you had been a troublesome class, one that caused me to lose sleep at night and hold regular detention sessions. If that were the case, I would be much less disappointed in you than I am today, though no less angry."

Brian looked at Mr. Stratton in disbelief. The senior prank hadn’t been that bad. The ringleaders had spent a long time coming up with one that wouldn’t get them in trouble, and all the seniors had agreed with their decision. He and Jim wouldn’t have participated if it had been something really bad.

Finally, Mr. Stratton got to the point. "Filling the gymnasium with hay was original, and might have been humorous if you stopped there. But to then steal the entire collection of school trophies and awards from the display case outside the gymnasium was an abominable violation of school spirit and human decency. Past generations worked hard to earn those honors, and for them to be hidden as part of a school prank is inexcusable. Until those of you who participated in this ill-fated prank confess and give back the awards, I am holding the entire class responsible."

Most of the seniors gasped, and some started protesting their innocence.

"Silence," thundered Coach Weebling.

"As I was saying," Mr. Stratton continued, "you will remain in this room in silence until the guilty confess to the theft. Do not think that keeping silent will allow anyone to get out of this predicament unscathed. If I do not find the culprit or culprits, then this will go on all of your permanent records, and I will personally notify the colleges you are attending in the fall, as well as the local community groups that award scholarships each year."

Brian’s heart sank. Those scholarships were his only way to pay for college, so he could save money for medical school. If Mr. Stratton didn’t find out who had stolen the trophies, he was in big trouble.

*     *     *

Honey finally caught up with Trixie in math, right before lunch.

"What did you mean by saying you know what happened and rushing off like that," Honey said.

"I didn’t say I knew what happened, just which rumors were more likely true. And I didn’t want to say anything because that horrible Paul Trent had just walked in."

Honey groaned at the mention of the obnoxious reporter. "That’s right, he’s teaching the journalism class this semester. I keep trying to forget about him after the way he treated Miss Martin."

"I do too. I certainly wasn’t going to say anything with that snoop around." At that, the bell rang and Trixie and Honey resolutely focused on geometry for the next 45 minutes.

Finally the bell rang for lunch, and the best friends hurried off to meet the rest of the Bob-Whites.

Mart and Dan were already sitting down, and Di came in just after Trixie and Honey got there.

"Where are Jim and Brian?" Di asked as she sat down. "I thought they had this lunch."

"Mr. Stratton won’t let the seniors out of the meeting," Mart said soberly. "None of the teachers will say anything either."

"They’ve even got the hallway between here and the gym blocked off with tarps hanging from the ceiling," Dan said. "I had to go the long way around to get here for lunch."

"That explains why those doors are shut," Honey said. "But what don’t they want us all to see. You said you knew something, Trixie. Now out with it."

"Oh, woe," Trixie said. "Don’t make it sound like I’ve got all the answers, Honey. I don’t have any idea why the hall is blocked off."

"So what was with the cerebral tempest at the end of study hall?" Mart asked.

Trixie looked to make sure no one could hear her, then spoke. "Hay."

Di, Mart and Dan looked at Trixie like she had three heads. Honey looked confused at first, then said "Of course."

"Would you mind elucidating for the rest of us," Mart said.

"Only if you promise you put your dictionary away for the rest of lunch," Trixie said sweetly, with a devilish smile on her face.

Mart made a motion to zip his lips shut, then motioned for Trixie to continue.

"Well, Honey was telling me this morning about Regan yelling at Jim for tracking hay all over the house after his ride Saturday. Jim didn’t even argue back, just meekly spent the day cleaning the stables."

"What?" Dan said, looking at Honey in disbelief. "Jim and Uncle Bill have the two most explosive tempers of anyone I’ve known, except maybe your dad, Honey. I would never describe Jim as meek, except maybe when Trixie lectures him about lecturing her."

"That’s what made me wonder," Trixie said. "The when I was looking at Di’s list, I figured it out. Jim deliberately made a mess because he knew he and Brian would track hay in after the prank and he didn’t want to give it away."

She sat back triumphantly, and watched as the rest of the BobWhites thought about her idea.

"Beatrix, for once you might have an accurate conclusion on the initial attempt."

"Oh come on, Mart. Give Trixie credit for being right a bunch of times," Dan said. "I’ll bet you wouldn’t have figured that out."

Mart grinned sheepishly and admitted that Dan might have a point.

"But I still don’t understand why the seniors are in so much trouble," Di said.

"I guess we’ll just have to wait for Jim and Brian to tell us. Let’s continue this meeting to the clubhouse after school so we can talk to them without anybody around," Trixie said. She motioned toward Paul Trent, who had just walked into the cafeteria. Mart, who avoided Trent whenever he could, quickly seconded her.

"All we need is another round of stories about ‘Sherlock Holmes Belden’ in the papers," he said.

So the BWGs forced themselves to discuss school and other topics until the bell rang at the end of lunch.

*     *     *

To Honey, it seemed like the day dragged on forever. She spent her last two classes checking the clock constantly. Finally, the bell rang. She was going to stop by Jim’s locker to see if he was there, but it was in the closed hallway. He had the car anyway. So she stopped by the student parking lot on the way to the bus and left a note under the windshield wiper.

Trixie looked up when Honey sat next to her. "Finally," she said. "I was beginning to think Mr. Stratton had sucked you in too."

Honey giggled, then stopped. "School sure seemed empty without the seniors today. I hope Mr. Stratton lets them out soon," she said quietly.

"Me too. At least Jim has the car and can bring Brian home. He didn’t take his jalopy today."

"Isn’t it working?"

"I can never tell when it’s working and when it isn’t. Brian always seems to be tinkering with something," Trixie said. "Do you think they’ll figure out we’re at the clubhouse?"

"I left Jim a note on the station wagon. They’ll come down."

Soon the bus reached the base of the Manor House driveway, and the five BWGs piled off. They hurried to the clubhouse, where Trixie called the meeting to order.

"Well, we think we know part of the prank involved hay. But now what do we do?" she asked.

"You’re telling me the mystery queen doesn’t have any ideas?" Mart said. "I’m flabbergasted."

Trixie just glared at him as the rest of the BobWhites started thinking. Suddenly, Di spoke.

"We’ve got to do something. There’s obviously something really wrong if the seniors have been all but kidnapped by Mr. Stratton, and we’ve got to find some way to find out what really happened."

"My thoughts exactly," Brian said as he and Jim walked through the door.

 

When they turned and saw the boys, the Bob-Whites all started shouting at once.

"Hold on, guys," Jim said. "It’s been a long, strange day, and we want to tell you about it, but we have to swear you to secrecy first."

"What?" Honey said. "Why is this all so hush-hush. We’ve been worried about you all day."

"We’ve been worried about us too," Brian said ruefully. "But Mr. Stratton swore all the seniors to secrecy until he gets to the bottom of this mess, so if we tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"Even our parents?" Di asked.

"Even them," Jim said quietly.

The five non-senior Bob-Whites promised, and Brian started explaining where they had been all day.

"So Mr. Stratton doesn’t want this to get all over town, and since Paul Trent is working in the school this semester, he’s pretty much threatened that anyone who tells other people will meet a similar fate as the guilty parties," he said as he finished.

"But we couldn’t not tell you guys, especially since we want the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency to take the case," Jim said, looking at Trixie beseechingly.

Trixie was so stunned at what Jim said that she hardly noticed the look on his face. She filed it away to think about later.

"You’re actually asking us to take on a case?" she said.

"Right," Brian said. "We want only the best, and we figure you’re it. Besides, even if we didn’t ask you, you would have started investigating, right."

Trixie and Honey looked sheepishly at the papers in front of Di, then grinned.

"Now that we’ve started, let’s figure out what to do next," practical Honey said.

"I want to know which senior would steal the trophies. They all seem pretty decent," Dan said.

"Which of our eldest members’ classmates participated in this late-night lunacy?" Mart asked.

"All of us, I think," Jim said.

"After last year, the class officers didn’t want to do a senior prank unless everyone in the class was comfortable with it," Brian said. "Even Mr. Stratton said the idea was funny. He just didn’t like the extra step someone took."

"Well, here’s what we need to do," Trixie said. "Dan, you and Mart go through all the old yearbooks and find out what should have been in that case. Also try and find pictures and descriptions. And don’t let Mart write it down or we’ll need a dictionary to figure out what he means. Di, check the Sleepyside Sun files and see if there are any pictures of the trophies. Also keep your eyes out for any names connected with the awards.

"Brian, you and Jim should talk to all the seniors. Talk about the night it happened, and what Mr. Stratton is doing to you all. Keep track of any odd reactions."

"And what are you going to be doing?" Mart asked.

"Honey and I are going to poke around school and see if we can get Mr. Stratton to let us investigate it," Trixie said.

The rest of the Bob-Whites all started talking at once, and Jim and Brian shook their heads in disbelief.

"Enough," Honey said, raising her voice. When the rest of the teens had stopped talking, she turned to Trixie and asked her to explain.

"Honey and I already have a reputation for being curious around school," Trixie started.

"You can say that again," Mart muttered. Trixie turned to glare at her brother, then kept talking.

"If we just poke around like we do for everything else, it won’t look odd. I actually think Mr. Stratton would wonder if we didn’t start investigating. I actually hope he’ll ask us to look into it, so we can get all the information he has," Trixie said.

"Sounds like a plan," Dan said.

"Yeah, now let’s all get home before our parents start looking for us," Di said.

"Right," Brian said. "We don’t need a lot of questions right now."

"Brian, Mart, tell Moms I’ll be home for dinner. I promised Regan I’d exercise Susie after school," Trixie said.

Honey opened her mouth to say something, then saw the warning look in Trixie’s eyes and stopped. The seven Bob-Whites hurried off, Trixie following Jim. Honey watched them go, then decided to leave them be. If Trixie wanted her, she would have asked.

 

Part 2

As soon as the others were out of sight, Jim turned and said, "Okay, Trix. What was that all about? I’m supposed to exercise all the horses today." His words were accusing, but his tone lacked force.

"You’re taking one horse, I’m taking another, and as we ride you’re going to tell me what’s bugging you," Trixie said. "And don’t tell me nothing, because you hardly said a word back there."

Jim looked down at his short, curly haired friend, and managed a weak grin. "I suppose I should know better than to think I can hide anything from the best detective in Sleepyside," he said. "Especially when she has my heart, even if she doesn’t know it," he thought.

When they entered the stable, Regan didn’t say anything to Jim, but looked curiously at Trixie. She just shrugged. They saddled the horses, and rode into the game preserve. Jim rode Jupiter, and Trixie, on Susie, wasn’t far behind. Once they were out of Regan’s sight, Trixie and Susie moved up next to Jim and Jupe.

"So what’s wrong?" Trixie asked quietly. "You’ve hardly said a word all afternoon."

Jim sighed, as he tried to figure out where to start. How could Trixie understand his problems? She knew her family would be there for her, no matter what.

"Jim, whatever it is, I want to help. I don’t know if I have any answers for your problems, but I’ll try, if you tell me what’s bugging you."

Jim looked at her and made his decision. He pulled Jupiter to a stop, and dismounted. Trixie did the same, and the two started walking, leading the horses. When they reached a fork in the trail, by unspoken agreement they took the path that led away from Mr. Maypenny’s house and into the heart of the preserve.

After several minutes of walking in silence, Jim finally spoke.

"I don’t know if you can understand this. It even sounds a little silly to me sometimes. I’m …"

Trixie waited for Jim to finish his sentence as they kept walking, even though she was dying to ask him questions. Finally, he continued.

"I’m afraid of what the Wheelers will think about all this," Jim said. "What if they decide I’m too much trouble and don’t want me any more?"

Trixie’s first reaction was to laugh at what she saw as a ridiculous fear, but she could see Jim was hurting, so she stopped and thought about what he had just said.

"Why would they do that?" she said, quietly. "Brian even said Mr. Stratton thought the prank was funny. He’s only upset because of the trophies, and your parents know better than to think either you or Brian had anything to do with that."

"But they’re not my parents, not really. My parents are dead. I’ve only lived with the Wheelers for two years, and I’ve always been the good kid. I’m supposed to help Brian keep you and Honey out of trouble, not get into it myself."

Normally, Trixie would argue with Jim’s claim of keeping her and Honey out of trouble, but she knew this wasn’t the time for that.

"Besides," he continued. "You Beldens and Honey all know your parents will love you even when you get into trouble. You and Honey alone have given them enough chances to prove that. Even Dan knows Regan will stand by him. Look what he did when he brought Dan out here, when Dan was in more trouble than I can imagine."

"Jim, I think you’re starting to blow this out of proportion," Trixie said, as she stopped, turned, and looked at his mournful face. As he opened his mouth to protest, she continued. "The Wheelers adopted you because they love you. Don’t you remember that day in Autoville, when you met them and you were hoping they found you acceptable, and they were hoping you found them acceptable and Honey and I wanted you and them to find them and you acceptable?"

In spite of himself, Jim grinned. "I’m glad to see you still have the knack for talking absolute nonsense, yet still make sense."

Trixie stuck her tongue out at him, then went on. "When they adopted you, they brought you into their family. Honey considers you as much a brother as I do Brian, Mart and Bobby. And remember when Hallie was visiting for Juliana’s wedding and asked your dad if he was sure you were adopted? And how he gave Juliana away? They really do consider themselves your parents. I know they can’t take the place of your birth parents, but they are your parents and they will always love you.

"I mean, Honey and I aren’t the only ones who have gotten in some tight scrapes. You could have been in big trouble after you accused Dapper Dick of forging Mr. Whitney’s signature and he knocked you out, but they didn’t love you any less after that."

Jim still looked upset, so Trixie tied Susie to a nearby tree, and motioned to Jim to do the same. They went and sat on a nearby log.

*     *     *

Meanwhile, Mart and Brian walked slowly up the path to Crabapple Farm. Brian trudged along in silence, while Mart chattered away. Finally, he stopped and looked at his older brother.

"You’re really worried about this, aren’t you," Mart said.

"I just keep thinking about Dad and Moms’ reaction when they find out my scholarships are in danger," Brian admitted. "Even at the state schools I got in to, it will still be expensive for college and med school. As for any other school, I haven’t got a chance without those scholarships."

"I think you’re blowing this out of proportion," Mart said, serious for once. "Moms, Dad and the colleges won’t find out if Mr. Stratton finds the real thief, and Trixie hasn’t failed yet."

"But she’s never had this much on the line before, or had it be this personal."

"Oh no? What about saving Uncle Andrew’s sheep farm, or Miss Martin from poverty, or rescuing Jim from Jonesy. Those had some pretty horrible possibilities, and were all people she cared for.

"But none of them asked for her help. I’m just afraid that Jim and I are going to put too much pressure on her. He’s even more worried than I am, though I don’t know why."

"I wouldn’t worry about her, Brian. She’ll be fifteen next month, almost two years older than she was when she and Honey headed off to look for Jim. Besides, how much trouble can she get in with all seven of us around?" Mart asked.

Brian just looked at Mart, then laughed. "Hello. Earth to Mart. Remember the gunrunners in Missouri?"

"Good point," Mart said. "Come on, Moms is going to be looking for us, and we promised to give her Trixie’s message."

So the brothers hurried down the last few yards of the well-worn path to the small white farmhouse. When they walked in the door, Moms was on the phone. She waved at the boys, then pointed at the potatoes and peeler waiting by the sink. Brian took both sets of school stuff upstairs, as Mart settled down at the sink and started peeling.

"Of course she can. You know these walls can always hold one more," Moms said.

Mart sighed, figuring Trixie had somehow talked their mother into letting Honey spend the night. Just what he wanted -- more giggling. But then something Moms said surprised him enough to drop the potato he was holding. It landed in the pot of water hard enough to splash Brian, who had just joined Mart at the sink.

"Hey!" Brian said. "Oops, sorry Moms," he finished, after his mother glared at him.

"I’m sorry, but I missed that," she said into the phone. "Mart did something to Brian, I think." She listened for a second, then spoke. "Let me just talk to Trixie about it, and make sure she’s okay with it. I think she’ll be fine though – they get along better than they used to. I’ll call you later tonight."

"So when is Hallie coming out for a visit, Moms," Mart asked, after she hung up the phone.

"Now how did you figure that out?" Brian asked. "Don’t tell me we have another detective in the family."

"I would think you’d learned to appreciate our intrepid sleuthing sister by now," Mart said. "But it pretty much had to be Aunt Eleanor that Moms was talking too. Who else but Hallie used to not get along with Trixie."

"You mean besides you?" Brian said. "Is Hallie really coming out for a visit?"

"She might be," their mother said. "Honestly, you two. Sometimes you argue as much as much as Mart and Trixie. Now get those potatoes peeled or we won’t have mashed potatoes tonight. Where is Trixie, anyway?"

"Up riding Susie," Brian said. "She promised Regan."

"As long as she’s home by dinner. Do you three have any plans for tonight, or just homework?"

"Dan’s coming over after dinner to work on a class project with me," Mart said. "Can we use all the old yearbooks in the attic?"

"Sure, just put them back. How about you, Brian?"

Brian stood there for a minute, still surprised at the quick way Mart had started on his assignment. Finally, he spoke. "I don’t have any homework tonight, through some miracle," he said. "But I have to call some of the other guys in my class to talk about senior week plans. I think Jim volunteered us both to help."

*     *     *

"Jim, I want to say I know how you feel, but that isn’t true," Trixie said, as she put her arm around him. "I can’t because I know my parents are always there for me, even if they do get mad. And I really believe that the Wheelers will do the same for you whenever Mr. Stratton lifts this whole secrecy bit."

Jim opened his mouth to interrupt, then stopped.

"But even if by some chance they’re not," Trixie continued, "you still have all the BobWhites, and you and Honey are as much a part of our family as my brothers. You’re always welcome down at Crabapple Farm."

With that, she put her other arm around him and hugged him until she felt him relax. He rested his head on hers, then pulled away and looked down.

"My head knows you’re right, but part of me keeps coming up with another ‘But…’ I guess part of it is I’m worried about what things will be like next year at college," Jim said. "I’m starting college only a month after my 17^th birthday, when most freshmen are looking forward to their eighteenth. Even Brian only has to be 17 for a couple of months at school. What if I’m not ready for it?"

"Don’t take this the wrong way, but I can’t picture you being scared about anything. You and Brian always seem so much older than the rest of us. I was even surprised when Mart said you two were helping with the senior prank. It just seemed so unlike you," Trixie said, looking up at him.

"Trixie, I’ve been scared plenty of times. The flood in Iowa, the times I thought Jonesy was after me, all the times I’ve had to hope your newest mystery hasn’t gotten you and Honey in over your head. I never thought I could get as angry as I did after we found you on that old paddleboat in Missouri. I was ready to kill Pierre Lontard for what he did to you … and Honey."

"I was scared those times too, but I couldn’t not investigate. That’s not me. But I always knew that somehow things would turn out okay. And sure enough, either Honey and I could figure a way out on our own or you and the others would come to the rescue. The Wheelers will always be here for you, no matter what happens when you go to school."

"I guess you’re right. I’ll try and stop worrying. Would you do me a favor though?"

"Anything," Trixie said. Then she stopped and thought. "Unless it involves wearing a dress."

"Well, I was going to ask you to promise to write to me while I’m away at school, so I know I always have a shoulder to lean on, but now that you mention the dress…"

*     *     *

Di sat in her bedroom at the Lynch mansion, wondering how she could get into the Sleepyside Sun archives and poke around without arousing anyone’s suspicions. She picked up the latest issue of the paper that she had grabbed on way up. She turned to page 2, and looked for information about the paper’s office hours. At the top of the page was a bright green banner, which said, "Check out the Sun online at www.sleepysidesun.com. Search back issues, read today’s paper and get links to related information."

"Perfect," Di said. "Now nobody will know what I’m up to." Just then, the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Di? It’s Honey."

"Hey, Honey. Guess what. The Sleepyside Sun has a Web site now. It’s a good thing you called now, because I was just about to get online and start searching for information."

"Really? That’s great, Di. I just talked to Dan, and he’s going down to Crabapple Farm after dinner to look at old yearbooks with Mart. I guess the Beldens have a whole bunch because Hallie’s dad left them behind when he moved to Idaho. And Dan said Mart said Brian said he was going to call some of his classmates after dinner."

"Honey, if I wasn’t such good friends with you and Trixie, that last sentence wouldn’t have made any sense. But it sounds like everyone’s off to a fast start, except you and Trixie."

"Yeah, but we have to wait until we get to school tomorrow."

"Right. Well, I’ve got to go so I can start searching. I don’t know who invented the Internet, but I’m sure glad they did."

"Ask Mart tomorrow. He’ll know, and if he doesn’t he’ll make us think he does."

The two girls hung up, and Di immediately went online. Soon she was printing out all sorts of stories about state titles that the high school had won. She was working on her math homework when she realized the printer had stopped. Di glanced over and saw the little light blinking because it was out of paper.

"Rats. Now I’ll have to get some from Daddy’s office," Di said. She had made it all the way down, gotten the paper, and was just about to climb up the stairs when she heard Harrison clearing his throat.

"Uh, oh. Busted," Di thought, as she turned around.

*     *     *

Back at Crabapple Farm, Mrs. Belden was talking to Brian and Mart about Hallie.

"Your aunt and uncle are just a little worried about leaving Hallie alone with just Cap so much next year, when she’s in high school. With Knut leaving for college, they thought of sending Hallie out here to live so she could go to Sleepyside High with the rest of the BobWhites," she said.

Brian nodded his agreement, but Mart cringed. "That’s worse than having just one sister," he groaned. "With Brian away at school, I’ll be outnumbered 2 to 1."

"Oh, cheer up, Mart. It won’t be that bad," Brian said, secretly glad that he wasn’t going to be around for the show.

"Says you. And Dan and I will be outnumbered at meetings too, with both you and Jim gone. I might as well go hide under the bed like Bobby does right now." Mart acted dismayed, but he knew everyone else would be happy about the news, particularly Dan. He always liked spending time with Hallie.

"Mart, I really think you’re overreacting," sighed his mother. "Besides, I told your aunt that I wanted to talk to Trixie first. I want to make sure she doesn’t mind, especially since she and Hallie haven’t always gotten along."

"Okay, Moms," Brian said. "We won’t mention anything to the rest of the BobWhites until you tell us to."

*     *     *

Trixie looked at Jim warily. He had a mischievous gleam in his emerald eyes.

"Does this mean you won’t go the junior-senior prom with me? If you’re that set on not wearing a dress, I suppose I could find someone else," Jim said, a wicked grin on his face.

"You mean, you’re actually asking me? I mean, well, you, me." Trixie stumbled over the words, hardly daring to believe Jim had actually just asked her to the prom.

"So that means you’ll go with me?" Jim said, hoping the answer would be yes.

"Of course I’ll go," Trixie said, a big grin lighting up her face.

"Even though it means wearing a dress?"

"Yes, even though I have to wear a dress. I’ll just make sure I don’t trip and fall on my face this time." They both smiled at the memory of the embarrassing scene after Tom and Celia’s wedding, though Trixie’s was accompanied by bright red cheeks.

"You know, I really hope you didn’t mean you really thought of me like another brother," Jim said, as he pulled away from her slightly. Trixie looked up at him, confused. Then, as Jim started leaning down toward her, she realized just what he meant, and her heart fluttered a little.

She stretched up to let her lips brush his, then rested her head on his shoulder. They sat there, arms around each other, until Jupe snorted and broke the silence.

"We’d better head back, Trix," Jim said. "Regan will have my head for keeping Jupe out so long when the others still need exercise."

"C’mon, then," Trixie said. "I wouldn’t want you to get yelled at again."

The two mounted the horses and rode back to the stable. When they got back, Starlight and Lady were gone, and Mrs. Wheeler was just saddling Strawberry.

"Looks like you’re off the hook, this time, Jim," Regan said, his good nature restored. "But I don’t want to hear about any more hay in the house."

"Don’t worry, it will never happen again," Jim said, while Trixie tried not to smile.

By the time they were done cleaning the tack, the sun was starting to set behind the trees.

"Gleeps, Moms is going to kill me if I don’t get home. It’s almost dinnertime."

"Want a ride down on the handlebars of my bike?" Jim asked. "I need to check with Brian anyway, and see how we want to split up the seniors." Trixie immediately agreed, and the two hurried down the path to Crabapple Farm.

Part 3

Trixie and Jim skidded to a stop outside the small, white farmhouse. Trixie hopped off the bike handlebars and dashed into the kitchen, while Jim stopped long enough to park his bike.

"Sorry I’m late, Moms," Trixie said as she rushed through the back door. "I didn’t realize how late it was getting." She turned to face her brothers, who were sitting at the kitchen table. Mart was working on homework, while Brian tried to convince Bobby to wash his hands for dinner.

"But they’re all clean, Brian," Bobby said. "See, Reddy licked them."

"You still have to wash them, Bobby," Trixie said. "Brian, Jim’s here to talk about your project."

"Did I hear my name?" Jim asked, as he walked through the door.

"My tardy sibling was just informing my elder fraternal unit that you were in the vicinity," Mart said, without looking up from his math book.

"Keep that up and I’ll throw a book at you," Trixie threatened. "Moms, what can I do to help?"

"Just set the table, dear," Mrs. Belden said. "Jim, will you be staying for dinner?"

"How did you know I was just about to ask that, Moms?" Brian said. When Jim looked reluctant, Brian urged him to stay. "Moms made her famous hamburgers. You can eat here, then stay to work on the plans for senior week."

Jim looked confused for a minute, then nodded. "Okay. Let me just call Ms. Trask and let her know."

"Mart, will it bother you and Dan if Jim and I make our phone calls in our bedroom?" Brian asked.

"Not at all, most honorable sibling."

"Moms, he’s doing it again," Trixie said. "Now come on Bobby. Go wash your hands before I have to wash them myself."

"You always hurt when you wash them, Trixie," Bobby whined. "You scrub too hard."

"Looks like you better get going then," Jim said, winking at the youngest Belden. Then he picked up the phone to call Manor House. Trixie grabbed the plates from the cabinet and started setting the table. She kept trying to keep a big grin from breaking out, because she knew Mart would never let her hear the end of it, but it was difficult. If only she could tell someone…

"Hey, Jim, tell Honey I’ll call her after dinner," Trixie said. Jim, still listening to Ms. Trask, just nodded.

"Mart, get your books off the table, or you’ll be eating off them instead of your plate," Trixie said.

Just then, Mr. Belden walked in the door and Bobby rushed down the stairs to see him, Reddy close behind.

The six Beldens and Jim sat down at the table. Trixie noticed Jim had managed to get the seat next to her, but was so busy cutting up Bobby’s food that she hardly had time to talk for the first few minutes. Once she was done, Mrs. Belden spoke.

"Trixie, your Aunt Eleanor called earlier today. She had something she wanted to talk to us both about. I promised we’d call back after dinner, so could you hold off calling Honey until then?"

"Sure, Moms. What’s up?"

*     *     *

Di turned around, awkwardly because of the heavy box of computer paper in her arms. She saw prim and proper Harrison standing there, with a stern look on his face.

"Oh, hello, Harrison," Di said. Time to think fast, Di. Don’t let him intimidate you. "Do I have a phone call?"

"No, Miss Diana. I was just wondering if you needed any … assistance."

"No thank you, Harrison. I just found so much interesting information for my history paper on the Internet that I ran out of paper trying to print it all. I can manage just fine."

"Well, if you’re sure," Harrison said, as he turned and walked away.

 

That was close. How do Trixie and Honey manage to be so cool when they do this kind of stuff? I thought for sure that Harrison had seen right through me.

Di finally got the paper up to her room and loaded the printer tray. She gathered the pages that had already printed, grabbed a highlighter and started reading. About four pages in she stopped, and whistled softly.

"Well, do you believe that," Di said to herself. "I wonder if Jim and Brian know?"

*     *     *

"Well, Trixie, you know that Knut’s going off to school this fall."

"Yeah, he was talking about it when we all went out to visit last year." Trixie wrinkled her forehead, puzzled.

"Well, now that Hallie’s about to start high school, your aunt and uncle would rather not have just her and Cap on their own. So we thought, if you were willing, that Hallie could move in with us and go to Sleepyside with all of you," her mother said. She waited for Trixie to complain, but it never came.

Trixie thought for a minute. Yes, she and Hallie hadn’t always gotten along in the past, but the last two times the two girls had met, things had gone much better.

"Sounds great, Moms." And I can think of one BobWhite who will really like this news. Trixie stopped, and laughed. The rest of the family and Jim turned to look at Mart, who was sitting there, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. As they all started laughing, Mart finally managed to speak.

"You mean you don’t mind Hallie coming here?" he said, his oversized vocabulary deserting him in his amazement.

"Why would I? She is family after all."

"That’s not what you said the last time she came to visit. If I remember correctly, your exact words were ‘Trouble on two feet, that’s Hallie Belden,’" Mart said.

"But that was before the wedding, and catching Oliver Tolliver, and the camping trip and the sasquatch and…" When Trixie stopped to breathe, Brian interrupted.

"We get the point, Trix," he said. "Don’t we, Mart," he added, glaring at his younger brother.

"Right, sorry Trixie," Mart said.

"I have a question," Jim said.

"And what would that be, most honorable neighbor?"

"You mean aside from asking you to put the dictionary you swallowed away?" Trixie said.

"That too, but I meant Hallie and the BobWhites," Jim said.

"You mean, should we see if she wants to join?" Brian asked.

"Why not?" Trixie said. "We issued her a guest card when she came to visit for the wedding."

"And she and her elder siblings became honorary members of our extracurricular cohort during out foray into the wilds of their native land," Mart said.

"Mart if you keep this up, I’m going to make you wash the dishes," Trixie said. Her mother nodded agreement.

"Please, Mart, just let Jim finish," Mrs. Belden said.

"Anyway, do you think she’d be interested?" Jim asked.

"I’m pretty sure she would," Trixie said.

"So why don’t we vote after dinner," Brian said. "Five of us will be here, and Trixie can call the other girls and get their votes."

"Well, if you want to hold your vote and get all your projects done, you’d all better hurry and clean up," Mr. Belden said.

The four teens started clearing the table as Mrs. Belden called Idaho.

After a few minutes, she called Trixie.

"Hallie wants to talk to you," she said.

"Hey, Hallie, what’s up?" Trixie asked.

"Do you have Instant Messenger?"

"Instant what?" Trixie said.

"Instant Messenger. You can talk online, kind of like a phone conversation over the Net," Hallie said. "Mom and Dad discovered it a few years ago and use it to talk to us kids when they’re away. If you have Web access, I can tell you how to do it, and then we can talk a lot before I come out without running up huge phone bills."

"Great," Trixie said. "I’ll show the rest of the BobWhites how to use it too, then you can talk to all of us."

"Sounds good," Hallie said. She smiled, as she thought of one particular BobWhite she wanted to talk to.

*     *     *

Di groaned as the phone buzzed another busy signal at her.

"Maybe if I stay on long enough, whoever’s on will hang up," she said. "I’ve got to talk to Jim and Brian before they call Mark."

She sat there, rereading the article she had found in the Sun, as she listened to the busy signal. When her ear started aching from the monotonous buzzing, she hung up. By then, the printer had stopped spitting out paper, so she picked up her highlighter again and started reading. She made notes as she went, highlighting names and interesting facts. After about 15 minutes, she called Crabapple Farm again. This time, the phone rang once and Trixie answered.

"Di, I was just about to call you." Trixie explained about Hallie and Di agreed to let her into the club.

"But you have to hear my news," Di said. "Brian hasn’t called Mark Nelson yet, has he?"

"He and Jim haven’t had a chance to call anyone yet; I’ve been on the phone," Trixie said. "Why? Did you find something out?"

"Yeah. What’s Jim doing over there?"

"He gave me a ride home on his bike so I wouldn’t be late, and Moms asked him to stay to dinner because Brian told her that he and Jim had a project for class."

"The project is really their assignment for the mystery, right."

"Exactly. So what’s your news?"

"Mark Nelson’s dad was supposed to start the championship basketball game his senior year, but the coach decided to start Mr. Stratton instead. Sleepyside won the game, but I guess Mr. Nelson was furious."

"That’s great work, Di. So you think Mark might have done this to get back at Mr. Stratton."

"Right. I thought Jim and Brian should know before they called him."

"I’ll let them know. Thanks a lot. Right now I’ve got to call Honey for her vote. See you tomorrow."

Trixie hung up the phone and ran up to the boys’ room. Wait until they heard about this!

Part 4

Mart and Dan sat on Mart’s bed surrounded by yearbooks. Brian and Jim were over by Brian’s desk. Jim straddled Mart’s desk chair, his arms on the chair back. Brian had his feet on the desk as the two waited for Trixie to finish with the phone.

"So what’s up with my sister, Jim?" Brian asked quietly. Jim looked up, willing his face to stay cool. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"She had a silly grin on her face all through dinner. Just what were you two up to after the meeting?"

Jim looked over at Mart and Dan, glad to see they were engrossed in their research. All he needed was Mart’s teasing. "She was talking me out of my funk. I was still a little worried about what Mother and Dad would say if they found out what was going on."

"And that put a sappy smile on her face? I’m not the detective in the family, but even I don’t buy that."

"Well, the smile is probably because I asked her to the senior prom. Have you asked Honey yet?"

"Not yet. I was going to ask her today, but I never got around to it. Are you sure that’s all?"

"Shhh," Jim said. "I really don’t want Mart to hear about this now, or he’ll never let me live it down. Come on, let’s figure out what we’re going to say to everyone when we call."

"Okay, but I can’t wait to see Mart’s face when he finds out about the prom."

The two boys had just started listing their classmates when they heard someone running down the hall.

Brian looked up as Trixie dashed into his room without knocking.

"Hey, what’s with not knocking," he said. "You know the rules."

"I know, I know, and I’m sorry, but you’ve got to hear what Di just told me," his sister said. "What do you guys know about Mark Nelson?"

Dan looked up from the yearbooks he was sorting through. "Isn’t that the guy who was in the debate when Mr. Wheeler considered selling some of the preserve?"

"I knew I didn’t like him for some reason," Trixie said, wrinkling her nose. "I’d forgotten it was him. Gleeps, after all your hard work presenting the facts, he just got people upset."

"Don’t take it so personally, Trix," Brian said. "He was just trying to win people over to his side. He’s really very nice."

"Why all the questions about Mark?" Jim asked.

"When his dad was at Sleepyside, he was the star of the basketball team. But in the championship game, the coach put Mr. Stratton in instead. Di said Mr. Nelson didn’t sound real happy in the articles from after the game."

"So you think Mark stole the trophies to get back at Mr. Stratton for a basketball game that happened 30 years ago? Pretty flimsy," Dan said.

"What student would be imbecilic enough to select such a prominent method of revenge?" Mart said, then ducked as Trixie threatened to throw a book at him. "I take it back," he yelped. "I meant, why would he be that dumb."

"I don’t know," Trixie said. "But I thought you guys might want to call him first."

"Just as soon as you get off the phone," Jim said. "Did you call Honey yet?"

"No, but Di said yes to letting Hallie in. I’ll call Honey now."

"Just make it quick, Trix," Brian said. "I know you two have a lot to talk about, but some of it will have to wait until tomorrow."

"But we can’t really talk on the bus," Trixie said. "I’ll die if I have to wait until after school to talk to her about all of this."

"If you keep saying you’ll die, one of these days it will come true," Mart said.

"At least then I wouldn’t have to listen you anymore, dear brother," Trixie said. She walked out the door and back to her room.

*     *     *

Honey sat on her bed at Manor House, waiting for Trixie to call. I wish she’d hurry up. This is big news. Just then, the cordless phone in Honey’s hand rang. She turned it on and said hello.

"Honey, it’s me," Trixie said.

"Hi, me. Guess what I heard down at Mr. Lytell’s?"

"I don’t know, but can it wait until I tell you my news?" Trixie was bouncing on her bed as she talked.

"Only if that creaking noise I hear is your bedsprings because you’re so excited," Honey said, teasing her excitable friend.

"Just for that, I won’t tell you what your brother did."

"Trixie, if you know something about this mystery and don’t tell me…" Honey said warningly.

"It’s nothing about the mystery," Trixie said. She looked over at her dresser and saw the silly grin on her face, suddenly glad that all the boys were working in her brothers’ room. "Jim asked me to the prom."

"What! When?"

"Just before he kissed me."

"Just before he what!" Honey said.

"You heard me. I’m even going to wear a dress."

"I know. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up for the prom. Trixie Belden in a formal gown."

"Nobody will even notice me next to you," Trixie said. "I only wish Di could go too."

"But Brian hasn’t asked me," Honey said.

"He will. Jim just asked me today. With all that’s happened, Brian probably just hasn’t had time to ask you. I can’t imagine going unless you and Brian are there too."

"I guess you’re right."

I know I’m right. Now let me tell you the real news. Guess what Di found out?"

"You’re not telling me that there’s a clue out there more exciting than the prom and your first kiss?"

"Okay, so maybe it’s not more exciting, but Di found out that Mark Nelson’s dad didn’t get to start the state championship basketball game his senior year because the coach put Mr. Stratton in."

"Oh boy. Now I wish I didn’t have to tell you my news."

"Out with it, Honey. What’s going on?"

"I was down at Mr. Lytell’s getting the afternoon paper, because ours didn’t come. Mr. Crider and Ms. Simmons were in there talking about the prom."

"They’re the advisors for the junior and senior classes, right," Trixie said, puzzled.

"Right," Honey said. "And I guess Mr. Stratton won’t let the seniors go to the prom if this isn’t cleared up, and Ms. Simmons doesn’t think the junior class can afford to hold the prom just for themselves. If Mr. Stratton hasn’t found the thief by next Wednesday, the prom will be canceled completely."

"Oh, woe. I finally get to see what a prom is like, and they’re going to cancel it? We’ve got to solve this mystery by then," Trixie said.

"I know. This might be the toughest challenge the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency has faced yet."

The next morning, Trixie slammed the button on her alarm clock and blinked blearily as she stumbled to her closet. She pulled on a pair of jeans and a blue sweater, and was trying to tame her sandy curls when Brian knocked on her door. He stuck his head in the room.

"Better hurry up, sis. Jim will be by in 10 minutes to drive you and Honey into school."

"How did you explain that one to Moms?"

"When Jim called, he said if anyone asked, to say Honey needed a ride in because of a project that was due today, and wanted to see if you wanted to come. I thought that was stretching the truth a little, but since Moms and Dad won’t find out, I suppose it doesn’t matter."

"Oh, come on. You two are too honorable to do anything wrong. After all, this is a project, and we do need to go in early to do it, and we need to figure this out as soon as possible. So it really isn’t even stretching the truth," Trixie said.

"I think I understood that," Brian said, a puzzled expression on his face. "Can you ask Honey to do me a favor? I must have ripped my jacket while out riding over the weekend. I was hoping she would fix it for me. I’ll take her turn exercising Lady any day this week in return. Good thing it’s warm enough so I don’t need it today."

"I’ll ask her, but you’ll have to talk to her yourself too. Are you going to ask her to the prom?"

"Sometimes I think you’re too curious for your own good, Trix," Brian said, sighing. "Yes, I am, but I want to do it without all the BobWhites around, kind of like Jim did."

"So he did tell you," Trixie said. She sighed, as she thought of the teasing she’d get from Mart. "Do the rest of the guys know?"

"No, but I can’t wait to see Mart’s face when he finds out," Brian said, grinning. "I didn’t need him to tell me either. You had this silly grin on your face all through dinner. Mart would have noticed if he wasn’t so amazed that you didn’t throw a Bobby-like tantrum about Hallie coming. Now get going, short stuff."

Trixie dashed downstairs, grumbling at Brian’s last comment. Just because I’m only five feet tall, everybody has to comment on it. Hallie and Honey are both tall, and even Di is tall enough to make me look short.

She just had time to grab a piece of toast and a juice box before she heard the BobWhite station wagon pull into the driveway. Trixie ran outside, letting the door band behind her. Honey opened the front-seat door and got out, letting Trixie slide in next to Jim. The two girls smiled at each other, and Trixie gave Honey a covert thumbs-up.

"Morning," she said. "I’m glad you guys thought of this. Maybe we can solve this case today."

"I sure hope so," Jim said. One of Trixie’s hands rested on her leg, and Jim put his hand on hers. She felt a warm, fuzzy feeling spread through her. "So what are you two going to do?" he asked.

"I want to take a look in that hallway," Trixie said. "They had it blocked off all yesterday, so there must be something there."

"Not necessarily," Honey said. "For someone to get to the trophies, they had to break into the case. If there was glass all over the place, maybe they just didn’t want anyone near that."

"Or maybe they didn’t want anyone to see the trophies were gone," Jim chimed in. "Mr. Stratton doesn’t want news of this getting out, and an empty case would have been a pretty big tip off." He squeezed Trixie’s hand. "He wouldn’t want the two Schoolgirl Shamuses poking around."

"Oh, and blocking off an entire hallway doesn’t attract attention?" Trixie retorted. "That’s all anyone was talking about yesterday." Jim pulled into the student parking lot. "Come on, Honey, let’s see what we can find."

"I’ll see you two at lunch," Jim said. "I’m not going in until later. I think all of the seniors we talked to last night plan to keep a low profile for a few days." He wanted to kiss Trixie, but not with his sister around. Maybe he could get a minute alone with her after school.

*     *     *

Back at Crabapple Farm, Brian and Mart were waiting at the end of the driveway for the school bus. After Di’s news the night before, the brothers compared notes to see if they could find any other connections between the senior class and the trophy-winning teams. They hadn’t gotten far when the bus pulled up.

"Here’s the list of names," Brian said, handing Mart a sheet of paper. "If you, Dan and Di think of anything major, find Jim or I and we’ll ask around."

The boys got on the bus. Mart dropped into the last seat next to Di, and Brian joined Dan across the aisle.

"Great job last night, Di," Mart said quietly. "I hope the rest of us are as successful."

Brian and Dan just grinned at each other. No matter what Di had found out, Mart would have congratulated her.

"So what’s the plan for today?" Dan asked. "Jim and Honey filled me in on their plans for this morning. Are we meeting at lunch?"

"What day is today?" Mart asked.

"Day 3, I think," Brian said.

"Then I’ve got first lunch," Di said.

"Me too," Dan said.

"Jim and I have second lunch," Brian said.

"That leaves me with the schoolgirl shamuses in third lunch," Mart said. "Why don’t we just wait until our academic endeavors have concluded and assemble posthaste in our secluded shelter."

"Or we could just meet in the clubhouse after school," Dan said. Mischief twinkled in his eyes. Brian laughed, and Di tried to hide her smile, but failed.

"Okay, okay, I get the point," Mart grumbled. "I’ll tell the girls at lunch."

"And I’ll pass the word on to Jim," Brian said.

*     *     *

Trixie and Honey stashed their backpacks in their lockers. They had to walk past the cut-through hallway, which was still blocked off with tarps, to get there.

"I wish they’d open it back up again," Trixie said. "It takes forever to go all the way around the cafeteria, rather than just walking through that hallway."

"I know," Honey said. "It wouldn’t be so bad if these books didn’t weigh so much."

Once they got rid of their bags, the two girls headed toward the hallway. When they got to the tarp, Trixie looked quickly around then lifted one corner. The blocked-off hallway was empty. She and Honey slipped under the tarp and tiptoes over to the trophy case.

"What a mess," Trixie whispered. The glass top was broken and some of the shards had sliced through the paper lining the back wall of the case.

"I know," Honey said. "Why would anyone do something like this?"

"Oh, Honey, I don’t know," Trixie sighed. "If we knew that, we’d know who did it."

"Then let’s get going," Honey said. "What are we looking for?"

"Anything that might tell us who did this." Trixie started at one corner of the case, and carefully examined every inch. She saw something snagged on a splinter, and was about to tell Honey when she heard footsteps behind her.

"So what have we here."

Trixie groaned inwardly as she heard Mr. Stratton’s voice. "Busted," she muttered under her breath. The two girls straightened up and turned around.

"I should have known you two would start poking around," the principal said. "Down to my office, now."

Jim stuffed the history book he was studying back in his bag and walked over to the bench in front of the main doors to the school. He looked at his watch, wondering where the bus was. Then he heard the familiar rumble. Once it pulled in the bus loop, he waited as the rest of the BobWhites piled off.

When they saw him waiting, they hurried over.

"How goes it, Jim?" Mart asked.

"They went in about 15 minutes ago, but I haven’t heard anything since then. I figured I should keep a low profile."

"Smart idea," Brian said. "Come on, let’s go see what the rest of the guys are saying."

The five BobWhites scattered to their lockers and homerooms. Jim and Brian were halfway down the hall when Jim stopped.

"What’s wrong?" Brian asked.

"My locker’s in that hallway, remember," Jim said. "That’s why I got stuck carrying my backpack around yesterday."

"So stash your stuff in Mart’s locker. That’s what I’m doing."

"I guess that will have to do. I wish they’d hurry up and sort this out."

"That makes two of us. Right now, I just hope our sisters didn’t get in trouble."

*     *     *

Trixie and Honey were wishing the same thing as they sat in Mr. Stratton’s office. He had escorted them there, pointed to the chairs, then left to do the morning announcements. Trixie wanted to tell Honey about what she’d seen just before Mr. Stratton caught them, but decided to wait. Finally, Mr. Stratton walked back in and closed the door.

"I wish I could say I was surprised to find you two poking around, but I’m not," the principal said. "Now I think I understand how Sgt. Molinson feels when he catches you interfering in one of his cases.

"I realize you two have had a number of successes in investigating mysteries, but I must ask you to stay out of this. This is a serious matter, and I don’t want either of you inadvertently messing things up."

Honey cautiously looked over at her friend, sure that she’d steam pouring out of Trixie’s ears. Oddly enough, Trixie seemed calm. Instead, Honey found herself getting angry at Mr. Stratton’s words.

"Excuse me, sir," Honey said in a deceptively sweet voice. "I realize that this is a serious problem, but Trixie and I have solved some pretty tough cases. We’ve even helped the FBI out before."

Trixie groaned inwardly as Honey spoke. Oh, Honey, you’re going to hurt Jim and Brian more if you don’t stop. Let’s just get our lecture and get out of here.

"Yes, Miss Wheeler. I realize you and Miss Belden have quite a reputation. But since your brothers are the primary suspects right now, I’m afraid you’ll just have to stop poking around and let us figure this one out."

Honey’s face turned dead white. She vaguely felt Trixie’s hand gripping her arm.

"Of course, Mr. Stratton," Trixie said. "We understand exactly what you mean. We’ll stop poking around. I’m afraid we just got a little curious this morning." She sounded calm, reasonable and mature. Even Mart would have been fooled by that performance. It looks like the BobWhites are on our own.

"I’m glad you understand, Miss Belden. I regret this, but I’m sure it will all be resolved soon. There must be some sort of mixup." With that, Mr. Stratton escorted the two girls out of his office. Trixie had to pull Honey, still in shock, along. Paul Trent was waiting outside to see the principal. As soon as the two girls were out of earshot, Trixie turned to Honey.

"Are you okay?"

"Trixie, what did he mean when he said our brothers are the prime suspects. That’s ridiculous."

"Shhh. Someone might hear you. I think I know what’s going on, but it isn’t safe to talk in school. Pass the message along to any of the other BobWhites, and we’ll talk in the clubhouse after school. And watch out for Paul Trent! When he saw the look on your face just now, I could almost see his eyes light up with glee. If he thinks we’re in trouble, this will be all over the newspaper."

"Okay, but this better be good," Honey said. Her face had regained some color. The two girls headed to class.

Honey walked absentmindedly to her next class. She spent the rest of the day going through the motions, but her mind was a million miles away.

Why didn’t Trixie get mad at Mr. Stratton for saying Jim and Brian were the main suspects? Normally that would be like lighting a firecracker. They couldn’t have done this. They’re both so honorable. But then why was Jim so worried yesterday. He was better after he talked to Trixie, so she must know what was bothering him. But she wouldn’t hide something like this from me. Brian’s been worried too. Why hasn’t he asked me to the prom yet? Why am I even worried about that? If we don’t figure this out, there won’t be a prom to go to. How can we count on Mr. Stratton when he suspects Jim and Brian. That’s ridiculous. He might as well suspect Bobby Belden. I could believe that easier than believe Jim and Brian stole the trophies. I wish I knew what Trixie was thinking.

Across the hall, Di was wondering the same thing. When she saw Trixie in the hall before English, Trixie told her the same thing she told Honey – she knew what was going on, but don’t say a word about anything until the meeting in the clubhouse.

I’m glad Trixie figured this out, or at least thinks she does. I wonder why we can’t talk about it? Sometimes I wish she wasn’t so secretive. I’ll bet Honey knows everything that’s going on. I can’t wait until Hallie moves here. Maybe then I won’t be the odd one out all the time. Trixie and Honey, Jim and Brian, Dan and Mart. Every BobWhite has a best friend but me.

Di wasn’t the only BobWhite wishing Hallie would show up. Dan was sitting through history class thinking the same thing.

I hope that list Mart and I made helps. This whole situation is really getting to Jim and Brian. I know how they feel. It isn’t fun to have someone suspect you of something. Particularly when you didn’t do it. Jim must know what that’s like, after living with that stepfather of his. But Brian probably doesn’t. He’s always been "the good kid." Nobody can say that about me. Maybe that’s why I always feel like the odd one out. Jim has Trixie and Brian has Honey. I’ll bet they all go to the prom together. Even Mart has Di, if they’d only get their act together and admit it to each other. Oh, well. Maybe when Hallie gets here, I’ll have a girl too.

The BobWhites had a series of strangely silent lunches. Word of Trixie’s gag order had spread. Since the mystery and Trixie’s apparent solution were the only things anyone wanted to talk about, nobody had much to say. After lunch, even Mart’s teachers noticed his preoccupation, mostly because he was using simple words to answer questions in class. Worry had shut down his mental dictionary.

I hate to say it, but I almost hope Trixie’s wrong, whatever she’s thinking. Honey looked scared to death during lunch, and she must know what’s going on. I’ve seen Di’s list, and the information Dan and I discovered, and I heard most of the conversations that Brian and Jim had with the other seniors last night. If she can figure it out, I should be able to.

Jim and Brian were about the only ones not worrying. Since they knew they hadn’t done anything wrong, they figured Trixie must have solved the case. As soon as school let out, they headed for the station wagon, where they found the others waiting.

Trixie slid in the front seat next to Jim, Honey, Brian and Di sat in the middle, and Dan and Mart climbed in the back. Trixie was afraid Mart might comment on her seat, but she needn’t have worried. No one was looking at where she sat.

As soon as they pulled out of the parking lot, everyone started asking Trixie what was going on.

"Hang on," she said. "It’s complicated. Just wait until we get to the clubhouse, and I’ll explain everything."

"Then step on it, Jim," Mart said. "I don’t know about you, but I want to know what my younger sibling’s whacked-out mind has come up with now."

Honey immediately jumped to Trixie’s defense. "Trixie’s solved more mysteries than you, Mart. I don’t see you coming up with any bright ideas to help Jim and Brian out."

"All right, let’s not argue," Brian said. Ever the peacemaker, he realized the strain of the situation was getting to everyone. "We’re almost there."

They finally got to the clubhouse, shut the door and pulled out their usual seats at the table. Before Jim could call the meeting to order, Trixie spoke.

"Who hates you?" she asked Brian.

The rest of the BWGs all started talking at once. Finally Jim pounded the table with his fist.

"That’s enough," he said. "This Tower of Babel business isn’t getting us anywhere. Let Trixie tell us what’s going on."

"I think someone’s trying to frame Brian for the theft."

"Are you sure?" Dan asked. "That’s a serious accusation."

"Just listen. This morning, Brian asked me to ask Honey if she could fix a rip in his jacket. He said he tore it while riding."

"Okay, big brother, pay up," Mart said. The BobWhites had a policy that every day their jackets appeared in less than perfect condition, that person owed a dime to the penalty box.

"Mart, we’ve got other things to worry about now," Trixie scolded.

"Besides, I don’t really know when I tore it," Brian said. "I just figured riding was the only way it could have happened without me noticing. I don’t remember snagging it hard enough to rip."

"You didn’t," Trixie said. "I’ll bet when Honey looks at it, she’ll see that it’s been cut, not torn."

"Why would anyone do that?" Honey cried. She was furious that someone would purposely destroy all the hard work she had done on those jackets.

"To use the fabric to frame Brian," Trixie said. "When we investigated this morning, I saw a couple of red threads caught on a splinter in the trophy case. Before I had a chance to say anything, Mr. Stratton caught us."

"Are you guys in trouble?" Di asked.

"No, but Honey got really mad at Mr. Stratton."

"Really?" Jim turned and looked at his sister. "I thought Trixie was supposed to have the temper, not you."

"Hey," Trixie said. "I didn’t want to get Mr. Stratton mad and have him go after you guys. He still isn’t sure Brian did it. But Honey had no way of knowing, so when Mr. Stratton said he couldn’t let us investigate a case where our brothers were the main suspects, she got mad."

"He said what?" Brian shouted.

"Don’t worry, Brian. We know you guys didn’t do it, so let’s figure out who would want to frame you, then all we have to do is prove it to Mr. Stratton."

"Todd Maurer, maybe?" Di said. "He might hold a grudge against Brian because of the debate over the furniture factory."

"Pretty flimsy," Mart said. "He got a better reception than Brian did, and they never decided who won the debate."

"But the factory still went in," Di said. The other BobWhites stifled grins at the sight of Di and Mart arguing.

"But it didn’t go in the preserve," Dan said. "That’s what everyone was upset about. Besides, Mark Nelson is the one who really had reason to steal the trophies. He wanted revenge against Mr. Stratton for his dad."

"But that’s not anything against Brian," Honey objected.

"Who says it has to be just against Brian?" Jim said. "They could have just used his jacket because it was there, figuring it would throw suspicion on all the BobWhites."

"Good point," Trixie said. "Why don’t we all go home and make a list of anyone who might be upset with us. Tomorrow we’ll divide it up and go investigate."

They all agreed, and left the clubhouse. Mart, Dan and Di headed for the Lynch estate.

"Just remember to be home by dinner," Trixie said. "It’s your turn to wash the dishes."

"Yes, oh slave master," Mart retorted.

Honey and Brian headed off toward Manor House, while Jim stayed sitting by the window.

"Aren’t you coming, Jim?" Trixie asked.

"Well, actually I was hoping…"

"What?"

"I wondered if now that we’re finally alone, you would let me kiss you?" Jim said, his face slowly changing to match his hair. Great, Frayne. She’s really going to want to kiss someone who looks like a giant fireball.

"You don’t ever have to ask me that," Trixie said as she walked over to stand in front of him. Gleeps, did I really say that? I sound so silly. She looked up at him, then giggled.

"What’s so funny?" Jim said.

"It’s just that we were sitting down yesterday when you kissed me. I didn’t realize how much taller you are. I don’t think I can reach."

"Well, then let me give you a hand," Jim said. He wrapped his strong arms around her, then lifted Trixie up off the ground and kissed her. For a minute, the world seemed to stand still.

*     *     *

Once Brian and Honey were out of sight of the clubhouse, Brian stopped and turned to her.

"Honey, I know everything’s a little crazy right now, but I was wondering if you would go to the prom with me."

Honey just stood there, speechless. Trixie had said he would ask her, but until then Honey hadn’t realized that she didn’t believe her best friend. Brian waited, as Honey just looked at him. Don’t tell me she’s going to say no.

Just then, Honey realized she still hadn’t answered Brian. "Of course I’ll go," she said. "I was hoping you’d ask me."

"Of course I was going to ask you," he said. "I couldn’t even imagine going to the prom with anyone else."

Honey was so happy, she threw her arms around Brian. He hugged her back, then bent over and kissed her forehead. She looked up, smiling, and he added another kiss, this time on the lips.

When the two finally pulled apart, Honey was breathless.

"Wow," she said.

"Yeah, wow is right," Brian agreed. "Uh, oh. Here comes Regan. Looks like I’d better be good."

 

 Part Seven

The seven Bob-Whites spent the rest of that night wondering who would try and frame Brian, but had no better idea the next morning when they met on the bus. It was a long, quiet bus ride. Even Mart couldn’t think of anything to say.

They all headed their separate ways when they got to school. The cut-through hallway was finally open, and the trophy case glass had been replaced. Trixie was headed to homeroom, late as usual. Suddenly, she ran into what seemed like a brick wall. Her books flew everywhere.

"Careful, Trix," she heard Jim say. She looked up, and felt her face turn red as she realized she had just run right into him.

"Sorry, Jim," she said. "I guess my mind was somewhere else."

She bent to pick up her books. Jim helped. He had a handful of school supplies, including her paper clip tin. Trixie reached for them, but almost lost her grip on her books again.

"Don’t worry about it," Jim said. "I’ll just throw this stuff in my locker and you can get it during lunch."

He unlocked his locker, and opened the door. As soon as he did, a bag fell out. Jim stuffed Trixie’s things on the top shelf, and bent to pick up the bag.

"What’s that?" Trixie asked.

"Haven’t a clue," Jim said.

He opened it up. Once he looked inside, Trixie could see his face whiten beneath his freckles. She leaned over and saw a pile of trophies. All of a sudden, Mr. Stratton was standing there.

"I believe that belongs to the school, Mr. Frayne, does it not," the principal said. He held a similar bag in his other hand, and Brian stood nearby. "Why don’t both of you follow me. Miss Belden, I believe you are late for class. Tell your teacher I gave you permission for being late, and report to my office at the beginning of next period."

Trixie stood there stunned, as Mr. Stratton marched Jim and Brian off. Suddenly, she realized she had better get to class. She shut the locker door Jim had left open and wandered off. This can’t be happening.

*     *     *

"Where are Jim and Brian?" Mart asked, as he sat down at the lunch table. Dan, Di, Trixie and Honey were sitting there glumly. They looked around, wondering who should break the bad news. Finally Di spoke up.

"Mr. Stratton’s office. He found some of the missing trophies in their lockers."

"What!"

"Shhh!" Trixie said. "You don’t want everyone in the cafeteria finding out, do you."

Mart looked abashed. He glanced around to see if anyone had noticed, but they didn’t seem to have. "Mr. Stratton doesn’t really think they did it, does he?"

"No, but he’s running out of times he can ignore all the evidence that points to them. He did let us in on it though. Di has the list of trophies that were returned."

The five teens passed the list around, searching for an answer. Finally, Dan spoke.

"There’s got to be something here, but I don’t know what. Why don’t we each copy down the list so we can look at it during classes. Maybe we’ll come up with something."

"A stellar idea," Mart said. "I must admit, my cerebral matter fails to see any coherent pattern in this collection."

"There’s something not right about this list," Honey said. "I can’t put my finger on it, though."

"About the only thing I can see is that these are all from newer teams," Trixie said. "That could bear out our theory about Mark."

"Part of me agrees, but another part says there’s something big that we’re missing. I wish I knew what it was."

"Stop thinking about it for a while," Dan suggested. "Why don’t you and Trixie go for a ride after school. Maybe the change of scenery will jog it loose."

"Sounds good to me," Trixie said.

*     *     *

Trixie and Honey headed out to the stables for their afternoon ride. Suddenly, Trixie slapped her forehead. "Gleeps, I’m such a dope."

"What’s wrong, Trix?"

"I left my math book in my locker, and I have three pages of algebra due tomorrow."

"So go back and get it. Jim will drive you."

"And what happens if Mr. Stratton catches me? The school’s closed once the last bell rings, remember."

"Oh, yeah," Honey said, frowning. "I forgot about that. Why don’t you borrow Di’s? We can ride over there."

"That would work," Trixie said, smiling. Then her grin faded. "No, her teacher was out today. She wouldn’t have homework."

"Well then, let’s go find Jim. We’ll just head back quickly and you can run in and get your book."

*     *     *

Trixie walked down the dim hallway to her locker. "Good thing I didn’t remember I left my book behind until after I changed into riding clothes and sneakers," she thought. "If Mr. Stratton catches me here I’ll be in detention until I graduate."

Trixie was almost at her locker when she heard footsteps. She looked wildly around for a place to hide, but there was nothing in the empty hallway. She listened for a second, then turned and walked the other direction, away from the approaching person.

When she turned the corner into the cafeteria hallway, Trixie let out a sigh of relief. The trophy case had been repaired. She could hide next to it. If he decided to turn the lights on she was sunk; the switch was next to her elbow. Maybe whoever it was would just walk past in the dark.

She crouched there for what seemed like forever. The footsteps echoed throughout the empty building, getting closer and closer. "Finally," she thought. "Let’s get this over with before Jim and Honey panic."

The person stepped around the corner into the hall. Trixie caught a glimpse through the trophy case, but couldn’t place the person. It didn’t look like Mr. Stratton. He didn’t carry a backpack, and this guy did. But no one else…

"It’s him," she whispered to herself. "This is the thief that’s trying to frame Jim and Brian."

Trixie was about to step out and confront him when she thought of all Brian’s warnings in earlier cases. "Maybe Brian’s right," she thought. "For once I should look before I leap."

The thief walked down the hall, coming closer to the trophy case. His steps slowed, then stopped. Trixie peeked around the corner of the case and saw him standing in front of a locker. He popped it open and took a large bag from his backpack. He tried to fit it into the locker, but seemed to have difficulty. Trixie tried to figure out whose locker he opened. All the seniors had lockers in this hall, so it must be his.

"Ouch!" the thief yelled. A pile of books and papers flew out of the locker and landed on his head. They scattered across the floor and Trixie had to stifle her gasp as one item rolled down the hall toward her hiding spot.

It was her paper clip tin, the one Jim had stuffed into his locker after they crashed into each other earlier that day.

Trixie stepped from behind the trophy case and picked up the tin.

"So now that Mr. Stratton’s cracking down, you’re going to frame Jim for everything," she said as she flipped on the light switch by the gym door.

"Well if it isn’t Miss Sherlock Holmes Belden herself," Paul Trent said, sneering. He didn’t seem at all bothered that Trixie had caught him.

"I should have figured you were behind it all," Trixie said. "You’re in the school every day, you hate the Bob-Whites and nobody else would be that sneaky."

Trent continued his slow walk toward Trixie. "Well now that you’ve figured it out, it’s too bad no one else will ever know what a brilliant detective you are."

Trixie stiffened. She knew Trent was a jerk, but she didn’t think he was really dangerous. "What are you going to do to me?" she asked.

"Why, bring you down to the police station, of course. Sgt. Molison will be thrilled to see his least favorite detective on the wrong side of the law. After all, when I tell him I caught you taking these stolen trophies out of your boyfriend’s locker, he’ll have you arrested. Won’t your parents and your goody-two-shoes friends be shocked. Trixie Belden, high school thief. Just think of the headlines in tomorrow’s Sun."

"It will never work, you know. I was with Honey the entire night that the trophies were stolen. Mart and Dan were there part of the time too."

"Let’s see. Your best friend, your brother and a street hood. No wonder there were no signs of a break-in at the school. Danny-Boy managed to corrupt all you kids, and you pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes. Then you offered to investigate for Mr. Stratton. Pretty clever. Just goes to show what happens with rich kids with too much time on their hands."

Trixie’s heart sank. Everything she said, he was twisting against her. Sgt. Molinson would never believe her. Trent was standing next to her by now. He grabbed one wrist and started hauling Trixie down the hallway. She tried to brace herself, but her sneakers couldn’t get any traction on the newly waxed floor. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of the main office.

"I’ll just go in here and give the police a call. Handcuffs will look real pretty on those wrists of yours. Too bad you won’t be able to wear that bracelet from good old Jim."

"Take your hands off her."

Trixie turned around and saw Jim, Honey and Sgt. Molinson standing in the school entrance. Jim looked ready to punch Paul Trent in the face.

"He’s the one!" Trixie shouted. "I caught him planting the rest of the trophies in Jim’s locker."

Sgt. Molinson walked over and handcuffed Paul Trent as Trent started to tell him that he had caught Trixie in the act.

"Save it, Trent. Honey Wheeler has already told me the whole story. Let’s get down to the station," Molinson said.

*     *     *

The BobWhites sat around the clubhouse eating pizza. With the cloud of suspicion lifted from Jim and Brian’s heads, everyone was in a good mood.

"I was so relieved to see you two there with Sgt. Molinson," Trixie said. "But what did he mean when he said Honey had already told him all about it?"

Honey and Jim looked at each other and grinned. "Why don’t you tell them," Jim said.

"Well, I remembered the list we had at lunch today," Honey said. "You know how I said something wasn’t right? Well, I finally figured it out. Most of the trophies were on that list, and the ones that hadn’t were all old, except one."

"Wait, I know, I know," Mart said. Before he could tell them, his struggles with his tipped-back chair ended as he landed in a heap on the floor. The rest of them burst out laughing.

"Maybe you shouldn’t use short words," Trixie said, wiping her eyes. "You don’t seem to be able to handle it."

Mart sputtered for a minute, then sat up.

"So what was so important about the trophy?" Diana asked. She smiled at Mart who sat red-faced on the floor.

"The auric award commemorated our estimable athletes prowess on the gridiron two annums ago," Mart said, regaining his composure.

Diana and Dan stared blank-faced at Mart, as Brian slapped himself on the forehead and Trixie yelled "Of course!"

Jim explained. "It was the trophy from the state football championship against Central High two years ago."

Trixie continued. "Trent was Central’s quarterback and Sleepyside killed them 38-3."

"He never got over it," Honey said. "He was supposed to be the best quarterback in the state, and he looked like a JV player in the game."

"I get it," Dan said. "He wanted the trophy for revenge, and everything else was to hide the fact that the football championship trophy was the only one he wanted."

"If Honey hadn’t figured out why he did it, and Trixie hadn’t caught him breaking into my locker, he would have gotten away with it and Brian and I would have been blamed," Jim said.

*     *     *

Jim and Trixie walked out of the clubhouse and up the path to the Belden farmhouse. Brian and Dan were walking Honey up to Manor House, and Mart was walking Diana back to the Lynch estate.

"Thanks for showing up when you did," Trixie said. "Trent really had me convinced that Molinson would arrest me for stealing the trophies. I thought he’d figure I was trying to protect you and Brian."

"Molinson knows better than that," Jim said. "After all the crooks you’ve collared, handcuffs just wouldn’t look right on you."

"The only silver bracelet I want on my wrist is yours," Trixie said, smiling at Jim. He leaned over to kiss her. Then she slipped her small hand into his large one as they walked back to the house.

The End

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