Trixie stayed by the
phone waiting for a call from Hallie. Her cousin had phoned earlier in the week
asking if she could visit
Trixie was so busy she hadn’t even been able to set the date for her wedding to Jim, but, she’d readied for Hallie’s visit just the same.
The phone rang and Trixie picked it up on the first ring.
“Hello?”
“Hey sweetie, miss me that much you had to rush to the phone?”
“Yeah, that’s it.” Trixie grinned into the phone at the sound of Jim’s voice.
She quickly explained that she was waiting for Hallie.
“Ok, I have to go into the city tonight for a meeting with my financial advisors. I’m not sure when I’ll get back.” Jim told her.
“No problem. Hallie will get here eventually. If you get back early enough, stop here at the Farm.”
“I don’t want you to be up too late, you know you have to be up early tomorrow. I want you to have your wits about you on the job.”
Trixie rolled her eyes at the phone, glad that Jim couldn’t see her. He’s just worried about you! She reminded herself.
“I know. I hope Hallie is tired from her trip and won’t want to gab all night.”
Trixie had gotten a job at the Sleepyside Police Department. It was just a stepping stone for getting some official experience before she and Honey opened their agency. Trixie planned to work there for awhile, then quit when she and Honey opened the agency.
Delay in finding the perfect office space, had caused the two to rethink their plans. They both decided to take jobs at the Sleepyside Police Department.
Trixie heard a car pull into the driveway.
“I think Hallie’s here, honey, I’m going to go.”
“Ok. Tell her I said Hi, and I’ll see her soon. I love you.”
“I love you too, bye”
Trixie hung the phone up and walked to the kitchen door. Hallie was getting out of a red Neon.
“Hey cousin!” Hallie called and waved.
“Hi Hallie. How was your trip?” Trixie asked, walking out to stand beside her car.
Hallie got a suitcase from the back seat.
“Uneventful.” She answered. “Seems quiet. Where is everyone?”
“Moms and Dad had dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Lynch. Mart is out with Di; Bobby is with Larry and Terry at Di’s.”
“And where is Lover boy?”
“Jim? He has an appointment tonight, but he is otherwise busy getting the school built and set up.”
Hallie nodded, walking through the door when Trixie held it open.
Hallie inhaled the scents of Crabapple Farm. It was apples, cinnamon, and fresh bread. She’d always found comfort from the house.
“Moms said to give you the guest room.” Trixie said, leading the way down the hall.
Hallie put her bag on the bed and opened it.
“I’ll let you unpack, and I’ll get our dinner out. Mom’s left a casserole in the oven for us.”
“Sounds good, Trix.”
Trixie left her alone and went into the kitchen. She pulled the ingredients out for a salad, and proceeded to chop up vegetables for it.
Hallie came back out after a few minutes and helped Trixie finish their salad. She put it on the kitchen table, and turned to see Trixie pull the casserole from the oven.
“Iced Tea, or lemonade?” Trixie asked.
“Tea.” Hallie said.
Trixie made them each a tall glass of tea after instructing Hallie to get started.
They ate in silence for just a moment, and then Trixie couldn’t stand it any longer.
“So, what brings you here?”
Hallie swallowed, and then said, “Um, I have a surprise for you.”
Trixie’s brows rose, and she asked, “Oh, what’s that?”
Hallie carefully laid her fork down and looked at Trixie.
“I passed the police academy. I took a job here in Sleepyside as a police officer.”
Trixie stared at Hallie in silence.
She frowned and opened her mouth several times before she could form the words.
“Hallie? I- I didn’t think, I mean, I didn’t know- I am surprised. I didn’t know you wanted to be a police officer.”
“I know, I was kind of surprised too. But I love it, Trix.”
Hallie looked at her cousin, hopeful her news would be met without opposition. Their relationship had come a long way since their childhood rivalry.
Trixie took a deep breath and smiled at her cousin.
“I know from experience that it’s a great profession. Congratulations Hallie.” Trixie held her tea glass up to make a toast. Hallie breathed a sigh of relief and clanged her glass to Trixie’s.
“So, when do you start at the Sleepyside PD?” Trixie asked.
“Tomorrow.” Hallie looked at her anxiously.
Trixie stared at her in stunned silence for an instant and then she burst out with laughter.
Shaking her head, “Well, at least you have company, Honey and I are starting tomorrow too.”
The cousins finished their dinner and had retired to the living room catching each other up on what was happening in their lives.
“So have you set the date yet?”
“No, I just haven’t had time to get to that yet.” Trixie blushed.
They were interrupted with the arrival of Peter and Helen along with Bobby.
After the greetings were made, Trixie excused herself to go up to bed. Hallie agreed that she needed to get some sleep too.
The next morning came and Trixie made her way down to breakfast. She was only mildly surprised to see Jim having breakfast with Hallie at the table.
“Good Morning.” Trixie called to both of them.
Jim stood immediately, “Good morning beautiful.” He kissed her before reaching out to hold her chair for her. Helen set a plate in front of her. The eggs and french toast were steaming as she drizzled the syrup over the top.
“So, how did your meeting go?” Trixie asked.
“Everything is on track. I transferred more money to the schools account now that we are ready to fill it with beds, school supplies, and other necessities.”
“I heard about your school, Jim, congratulations. When do you think you’ll be ready for students.” Hallie asked.
“The plan is September 1st. Thanks.”
Trixie ate her breakfast quickly and excused herself to change for work.
Jim waited for her to come back down.
Hallie had also left to change, and wasn’t in the kitchen when Trixie came in. Jim was setting his coffee mug in the sink when he heard Trixie on the stairs.
Turning he said, “What time do you have to be there?” Then he just stared as if in shock.
“Jim? Is something wrong?” Trixie asked with a puzzled frown.
“Huh? No. Nothing is wrong.”
Trixie smiled, “You give a good impression of it though.”
Jim looked at her confused.
“No, um, everything is fine. I was just surprised.”
“Surprised?”
“I wasn’t, um, it’s just-“
“Yes?”
Jim shifted nervously.
“I guess it’s the uniform, Trix. It just caught me off guard.”
“You know I’m a police officer.”
“Yes, but it’s the first time I’ve seen you in uniform and it just made it all so, um, real.” Jim kept his eyes downcast.
Trixie took a step toward him and laid her hand on his cheek.
“Jim, look at
Jim stared into those blue depths and nodded.
“I know all of that Trixie. It just became a reality for the first time, I guess. I’m sorry.”
Hallie returned to the room, stopping any more of the conversation.
“All set cousin?” Hallie asked.
“Yeah, just give me a minute to say good bye to Jim.” Trixie answered her, not looking at her, but at Jim.
“Sure thing.” Hallie grabbed her bag and headed outside to wait for Trixie. She had the impression she had interrupted something and didn’t want to stick around where she wasn’t needed or wanted.
Trixie waited until the kitchen door had slammed shut before continuing to speak to Jim.
“Are you ok?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. You go on, I’ll see you later.” He bent to kiss her.
“Are you sure?” she asked skeptically.
“Trixie Belden, go to work!” Jim said forcefully, “I’m fine I said, and you have to go or you’ll be late your first day! Molinson will have a fit.”
Jim added the last with a smile, and kissed her again. He drew her close to him and held for a long minute.
“I love you, be careful. Maybe tonight we can set the date for the wedding?” He whispered into her hair.
“I will. It’s my first day. I think I will be on desk duty for awhile, knowing Molinson. At the most, I’m in danger of a paper cut!” Trixie smiled teasingly. “And setting the date sounds good, I love you.” she added with a last kiss.
Jim watched her bound out the door and leap into her car with Hallie. Then he slowly finished cleaning up their breakfast mess when Mrs. Belden came into the room.
Helen had to say ‘Good Morning’ to Jim twice before he acknowledged her. Jim jerked when he finally heard her.
“Oh, sorry. I –“ He gestured toward the door.
“You were otherwise occupied with watching my daughter go to work?”
Jim just nodded.
“Can I get you more coffee?” she gestured with the pot she was pouring.
“Um, no thanks. I have to get to the school.”
“OK, have a good day, don’t work too hard!” she called as he slipped out the door, quietly closing it behind him.
Jim walked up the hill to the school. He felt like he was in a fog. What is wrong with me?
He was saved from answering his own mental question when his newly hired instructor and friend, Robert Townsend stuck his head into Jim’s office.
“Hey Boss! Are you still interviewing assistants today?”
Jim grinned in spite of his inner turmoil of the moment.
“Rob, you can still call me Jim at work.” Jim shook his head.
Robert answered his grin with one of his own.
“Yes, I know that. But it doesn’t change the fact that you are my boss. Hence, the name Boss.”
Jim rolled his eyes and sat heavily into his desk chair.
“Yes, I have an interview today for my assistant, why?”
“No special reason, just thought I’d be on hand to ‘help’ you this time.”
“Such a thoughtful friend you are Robert.” Jim smirked. He knew that Robert was hoping he’d have another applicant like the last one. “I think I can handle it on my own, but thanks.”
Rob grinned and shrugged.
“Ok, if you say so, but can I lurk in the hall?”
“No! Go to your office or room!” Jim laughed.
Robert was staying in a room ‘on campus’. He was just one of the live in staff members that Jim wanted on the school premises at all times.
He’d also hired a cook and a cook’s assistant in the last month. They were a mother /daughter team and also lived in a small apartment setting in the back of the dorms.
Mrs. Aggie Renshaw, was a retired, widowed lady, looking for something to keep her busy now that her kids were grown. Her daughter, Inez, was recently divorced, and needed a job. Working with her mother and staying with her at the apartment, was working out the best for her and Jim. They were both wonderful with kids and Jim looked forward to having the female input with the boys.
Jim checked his papers on the desk and straightened them before the interview. He was trying not to think of Trixie on the job.
Come on Frayne! You’ve known since she was 14 that she was going to be a detective and involved with police work! This didn’t come as a surprise!
Maybe not, but, Jim couldn’t shake the feeling that had come over him when he had seen her in her uniform.
There was a knock on his door, and a small, slightly over weight woman entered. She looked to be in her early 50’s. She came forward to his desk, extending her hand to shake his.
“Mr. Frayne? I’m Laura Anderson. I’m here for my 10:00 am interview.”
Jim shook her hand and couldn’t help but be relieved that this applicant wasn’t going to be flashing any of her body parts at him, like the last applicant had.
The interview began and ended with Laura Anderson being a very strong contender.
“Ms. Anderson, I have your resume and references. I also have a copy of your criminal back ground check. I need to check everything over then I will be contacting you. Probably as early as tomorrow afternoon.”
Laura’s eyes widened.
“That quick? That is wonderful, thank you Mr. Frayne.”
Laura left, and Robert stuck his head in again. This time he had Mart with him.
“Is that the new assistant?” Mart asked.
“I think so, I mean if her references check out and all.” Jim looked at them questioningly.
“So, Jim, feel up to lunch in town? With us?” Robert asked.
Jim scanned his desk and realized his afternoon was clear until later this afternoon when he was going with Regan to check out some horses that were for sale near by.
“You know, that does work for me. Are you buying?” Jim quirked a brow at him.
“Why do you think we asked the rich boy out to lunch?” Robert teased.
Mart laughed, and said he would pay for lunch today if they would only get going since he was starved.
The three men laughed and went out the door to get into Mart’s SUV.
The sat in a booth at Wimpy’s and Mart charged head long into his burger.
Rob laughed and looked to Jim, who in turn picked up his own burger and took a huge bite.
Between bites, Mart ate his fries and looked at Jim.
“So, when are you and my sister going to set a date for this wedding?”
Jim swallowed and took a drink of his vanilla shake,
“Ask her, I have been waiting on her.”
Mart nodded, “She has been busy with this new job starting now, Di and I might be married before you are!”
Jim anxious to change the subject, jumped on that little tidbit.
“Oh? Are you telling me you’ve proposed?”
Mart choked on his mouthful of burger.
“No, I mean not yet. But we’ve talked about it and now that we are done with school, and getting settled into our careers, well it won’t be too much longer.”
Rob chimed in noticing Jim shifting uncomfortably.
“Well, I think everyone is busy lately, and they’ll set the date soon enough.”
Jim nodded and swirled his straw in his shake. The other guys continued to make small talk while Jim was lost in thought.
The sudden feeling of foreboding had settled over him before he saw it coming. He felt a chill run down his spine and his breath caught in his chest. What is happening to me?
No sooner had the thought formed that he finally became aware of his surroundings again. Blinking, he tried to swallow a bit of his shake, ignoring the way his hand shook as he brought it to his lips.
Rob and Mart continued to talk between themselves, oblivious to the inner turmoil of their friend.
Trixie and Hallie rode home chatting about their first day at the police station.
Trixie had gotten to ride with Spider for a time while Hallie rode with Tad, now also on the force. Other than that brief ride around Sleepyside, they were stuck behind a desk for the day.
“I hope we get to be out on patrol more.” Trixie said.
Hallie laughed at her cousin, “Does Molinson know what desk work is doing to you?”
Trixie grinned in response, “Probably! It’s his revenge for years of my “detectiving” on his watch.”
They turned into Crabapple farm’s drive and parked the car.
“Hal, let’s get the Bob Whites together tonight for a cook out! You haven’t seen all of them yet!”
“I know, Brian isn’t even here yet, and Mart is busy with Diana and the school! I have not seen Honey, except for passing her at the station today!”
“Honey was with that Officer Brunswick today. I wonder how she did. She was hoping to be with us more. Maybe tomorrow.” Trixie said as they let themselves into the house.
Calling to her mother, she let her know they were home. A tall, dark, handsome figure came from the living room area and filled the doorway waiting to be noticed.
Trixie glanced up when she saw movement in the corner of her eye.
“Brian! You’re home!” she ran to hug her brother with Hallie close behind.
“Hey sis! How goes it? Hi, Hallie, it’s good to see you.” Brian hugged each of them in turn.
“Oh, Brian, I’m so glad you’re here. Hallie and I were just talking about getting the bob Whites together tonight, maybe cooking out at the lake.”
Brian opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Mart and Diana bursting into the kitchen from outside.
“Already ahead of you Trix, the Bob Whites are all heading to the lake as we speak.” Di said breathlessly.
“We have a cooler packed and Honey is meeting us there with another. You’d better get changed.” Mart added.
Trixie and Hallie looked at the other in their uniforms and rushed in opposite directions to change. They met again in the kitchen and Brian was seated at the table waiting for them.
“Mart and Di went ahead with the cooler.” He told them.
“You trusted Mart alone with food? Are you crazy?” Trixie laughed.
“I trusted Di with the food and Mart. I think she can handle him.” Brian said, eyes twinkling.
The trio laughed as they headed out the door to walk down to the lake. It had been a warm July day, and Trixie was looking forward to taking a dip in the cool lake water. She’d put her suit on under her shorts and t shirt.
Brian moved ahead of the girls when they reached the lake to take his girlfriend to the side to greet her properly. Everyone else had finished college and moved into a profession of their choice. Brian was still pursuing his, with long hours and a lot of the hard work still ahead of him.
Honey was an understanding and supportive girlfriend, even though Trixie knew she missed Brian terribly. Summer was here, though and Brian had a few weeks home with them, and they were going to enjoy that fact to the max.
Trixie glanced around. Mart and Diana had deposited their cooler, and made their way to the lake. Honey had it already unpacked the cooler she’d brought, in between speaking quietly with Brian. Hallie followed Mart and di towards the water. Trixie looked again, and realized Jim wasn’t here.
A hand on her shoulder turned her around and she was staring into familiar green eyes.
“Hi.” She said moving into his arms for a kiss.
“Hi.” Jim answered and gave her that kiss.
Jim glanced around the group. “Looks like the gang’s all here.”
“All except for.." Trixie started to say but was interrupted.
“Dan!” Honey called out.
Jim and Trixie turned as one and saw Dan coming into the fold. Honey and Trixie hugged him, and Brian and Jim moved forward to shake his hand.
“Glad you could make it.” Brian said.
Mart and Di were making their way out of the water to greet him too, and Hallie followed at a more sedate pace.
After the initial greetings were made, the group of Bob Whites
seemed to part and Hallie still stood at the outskirts of the group. Dan looked
at her long and hard. She looked as good
as ever, he thought.
Hallie’s long dark hair was loose about her shoulders and she wore a white bikini that set off her early tan and natural coloring perfectly. A smile worked its way very slowly across her mouth, and she stepped forward to give Dan a hug.
“Hi Hallie. How are you?”
“I’m good Dan, it’s good to see you.” she drawled.
Someone pressed a soda into his hand and the group broke apart. But Dan’s eyes stayed on the dark haired goddess in front of him.
Hallie caught him staring several times before he shook himself and looked to Trixie who was sitting in a chair next to Jim.
“So, Trix, ready to give up Sleepyside for the city yet?”
Trixie grinned, not seeing Jim stiffen next to her.
“Nah! I have enough excitement here, I don’t need the NYPD to keep me happy.”
The line of conversation was dropped when Honey announced that their dinner was ready for the grill. The Bob White men took over grilling duties, and the girls put the salads out on the table.
Dan glanced at Jim as he watched their burgers on the grill.
“Jim, how’s the school coming?”
Jim looked up startled by the sound of Dan’s voice.
“Oh, it’s coming along fine. It should be ready for students by September 1st.”
“That’s good.” Dan looked again to where Hallie was standing.
When Jim didn’t add any more to the conversation, Dan moved over to speak with Hallie.
“Hallie. How do you like Sleepyside now that you’re living here?”
Hallie smiled at him. “It’s getting better everyday!”
Hallie spun around to go talk to Di, leaving Dan in shocked silence.
Their food was cooked and ready for them to eat. They quickly polished off the burgers, salads and chips.
After everything was cleaned up, the Bob Whites dispersed to private areas with each other.
Brian took Honey’s hand and they walked around the lake. Mart and Di wandered toward the row boat, with the intentions of rowing out to the middle of the lake. That left Dan and Hallie looking at each other and Jim and Trixie.
Dan cleared his throat, “Hallie, walk with me?”
“Sure, Dan”
They walked towards the woods and walked side by side, not touching.
Jim watched them go, disappointed somehow that he was left alone with Trixie. What the heck was that? I love Trixie! She is everything to me.
Trixie, clueless to his inner thoughts, walked toward him and plopped down into his lap. Jim jumped a little in his surprise. He had missed her movement while lost in his thoughts.
“Hi, handsome!” she said kissing him lightly on his lips.
“Hi, beautiful.” Jim returned her kiss and wrapped his arms around her to hold her tightly against him.
Trixie pulled her head back and looked into his eyes.
“Wasn’t there something about setting a date mentioned?” she asked with a twinkle in her eye.
Jim jumped up and set her on her feet.
“Trix, we’d better wait on that. I mean, we are both so busy. We shouldn’t rush into the date just because we need to set it yet. You know what I mean?”
Trixie frowned and tried to catch up. He was talking so fast.
“Ok, whatever you want to do. Is everything alright Jim?” Trixie looked up at him in concern.
Jim shrugged, “Why wouldn’t it be ok?”
Trixie knew he hadn’t answered her question but they were interrupted by the return of some of the Bob Whites.
Jim yawned and said he had an early appointment, and said he was going back to the Manor House. With a quick peck on Trixie’s cheek, he walked away.
Trixie watched him go, frowning in confusion.
Honey sensing her mood, came up to put an arm around her shoulders.
“Trixie, come on, Brian and I will walk you home.”
“Should we wait for Hallie?” Di asked.
Trixie looked at her brothers. Brian shook his head, “She knows the way home.”
The group left their picnic site and walked down to Crabapple Farm.
Trixie wondered fleetingly if there really was something bothering Jim, but she decided he’d tell her if there was something wrong.
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