Meanwhile in the woods…

Dan walked beside Hallie silently contemplating his next move.

He felt an attraction to her, always had. It was more than physical, although he’d never deny that aspect. He and Hallie had hit it off immediately.

Dan’s hand reached for Hallie’s when they came to a spot that was uneven and rough. He didn’t let it drop after they had passed that area. In fact, it seemed that Hallie had moved closer and had tightened her hand a little.

“Dan? Do you really like being a cop in the city?” she finally asked.

“Yeah I do. There are kids there that are just like I used to be. I am feeling like I make a difference there.”

“You’d make a difference anywhere.” Hallie looked at him with admiration.

“I don’t know about that. But I got a second chance and maybe there are some kids that can turn their lives around if they too, were given that chance.”

“You turned out to be a good boy, Danny.” Hallie said jokingly, but somehow he felt she meant it. Her praise made him blush a little.

They reached a small clearing and Dan motioned for her to sit down on a large boulder. He stood next to her and looked down into her eyes.

“So, Hallie Belden, what made you want to be a cop?”

“I think I was bitten by the bug when I visited my cousins when we were younger. They made it seem so exciting, that I decided to go to the academy when I couldn’t come up with anything else I wanted to be.”

“Do you like it?”

“Yeah, I do. I know I haven’t gotten to do much yet, but, I rode with Tad yesterday, just for a short time. It was exciting in its own way. I hope I get to go out on patrol soon, and leave the desk work behind.”

Dan nodded.

Hallie slid over on the boulder and patted the space beside her. He took the hint and sat down. The space was wide enough for him to sit but his leg was up against hers. She didn’t seem to mind.

“Are you staying with your family?” he asked.

“Yeah, for now. Auntie and Uncle Peter said I could stay as long as I need to, but I want to have my own apartment. Once the money starts rolling in, maybe I can swing that.”

“I have a small place in the city, but I really love coming back here to Mr. Maypenny’s cabin. I come home every chance I get.” Dan revealed.

Hallie smiled at him and he felt the air rush from his lungs and he was mesmerized with those blackberry eyes. Dan slowly lowered his head towards hers and waited to see what her reaction would be.

Hallie tilted her head up just a fraction of a degree but that was all the encouragement that Dan needed. His mouth came down on Hallie’s gently until she put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Then Dan felt a tremor run through her body into his. It was electrifying. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.

By the time they parted their lips they were both gasping for air. Dan stared down at her, wondering what she was thinking.

“Wow!” Hallie said and touched her finger tips to his lips. Her eyes searched his face.

Dan let out a short laugh.

“Yeah, wow about sums that up.”

Hallie smiled again, and Dan pulled her into a hug.

“Um, Dan, can I ask you something?”

“Anything.” Dan pulled back far enough to look into her face.

“How come we never did that before now? Because I’m thinking if you had kissed me like that before, I would have moved here a long time ago.”

Dan slowly grinned and shrugged, “I guess all I can say is better late than never!”

And he kissed her again.

Trixie awoke the next morning, slightly foggy. She hadn’t slept well the night before. With a groan she pulled herself from the bed and went to take a shower.

When she was finished, with her hair still damp, she went down to breakfast.

Hallie was just coming into the kitchen from the guest room.

“Morning.” Hallie mumbled.

“Morning.” Trixie took a seat as Helen was pulling fresh muffins from the oven.

The coffee was already on the table along with 2 mugs.

“Well, I know Hallie came in late, but what is your excuse Trixie? You went to bed early.” Helen asked.

“Hallie came in late?” Trixie asked instantly awake. She looked toward her cousin with a brow quirked in inquisition.

Hallie shrugged and grinned.

“Dan and I took a longer walk than we’d expected.”

That was all she said and promptly changed the subject to something less revealing.

They ate, and then left the kitchen to change into their uniforms.

Honey beeped the horn on her car from the driveway.

Trixie and Hallie rushed out to get into her car. Honey was driving them into work that day.

“Hi you two!” Honey greeted them.

“Hi Honey!” the cousins chimed.

“What do you think Molinson has in store for us today?” Trixie asked as Honey maneuvered the car onto Glen Road.

Honey laughed, “Probably more filing and answering the phones.”

Trixie frowned in disappointment.

“I know, I wish we could get into a case. There has to be something we can do.”

“Patience, Trix!” Hallie grinned.

They arrived at the station and went their separate ways. By lunch, Trixie had all of the desk work that she could handle. Her frustrations grew and she was down right cranky by the time she got to Wimpy’s to meet Honey and Hallie.

They commiserated with her, as they were in the same position. By the end of the day, Trixie was ready to punch something or someone.

She knew she was capable of so much more, and looked forward to the day when she could show everyone that. Especially the male chauvinists like Brad Teske.

Officer Teske thought that women should stay home and have babies, not play at being a cop.

Honey dropped the girls off at Crabapple Farm’s mail box. With a wave, she headed up the hill to the Manor House.

Trixie and Hallie walked up the drive and talked about their work that day. They heard the sound of a car engine and turned to see Jim was driving up behind them. Hallie waved at Jim, and continued walking toward the house, while Trixie waited for Jim to park.

She smiled at him when he got out of the car.

“Hi there! I am so glad to see you!” she stood on her toes to kiss him.

Jim’s hands rested on her hips and he smiled down at her.

“I’m glad to see you too! Can we go somewhere for dinner tonight?” Jim asked.

“That sounds heavenly! Give me a bit to change?”

Jim nodded, “Take all the time you need.”

Trixie took him by the hand and they walked into the house together. Trixie quickly explained to her mother that they were going out to dinner, and then ran up the stairs to change her clothes.

She took a fast shower and came back down dressed in an airy spaghetti strapped dress. She found Jim in the kitchen talking quietly with her parents.

He stood when she entered the room. “All set?” he bent to kiss her cheek whispering in her ear that she was beautiful.

They walked out arm in arm and Jim opened the car door for her. They drove quickly to the restaurant on the outskirts of town.

Jim held her hand as they walked into the dimly lit restaurant and they were immediately seated. The waitress promptly took their order and Jim gazed at his love while waiting for their drinks.

“So, how’s it going?”

Trixie looked up at him, surprised. “Do you mean at work?”

Jim nodded. And she went on to fill him in on the happenings at the Sleepyside PD. Trixie hardly noticed the effort Jim put forth to actually listen to her.

I have to be supportive. I have to. I love her more than anything. She deserves my attention.

Jim shook himself when he realized that Trixie had stopped talking.

“Well, it um, sounds like you love working at the department.” He said, looking down at his fingers playing with the edge of his napkin.

“It’s great. I just wish we could sink our teeth into some cases.”

Jim nodded, unable to speak past the lump that suddenly found its way into his throat. He cleared his throat several times.

“So, what do you think of the Dan and Hallie situation?” Trixie asked, sipping her soda that the waitress had since dropped off.

“Is there a Dan and Hallie situation?” Jim asked.

“Ha- you’d have to be blind or in another country to miss the fireworks that go off when they are together.”

“I guess I have been a little distracted then.”

Trixie looked at him for just a beat before continuing with her ideas of Hallie dating Dan.

Dinner continued, but Jim was distracted. Trixie noticed and tried to ask him if he was ok, when he brushed her off. He let her monopolize the conversation.

They decided to head back home since they both had to work in the morning. Jim walked her up to the porch and held her hand looking at her in the moonlight.

“I love you Trix, good night.” Jim kissed her and turned to leave.

“Hey, wait one minute Mr. Frayne.” She held his hand still, and wouldn’t let it go.

Jim waited, somewhat impatiently for her to continue.

Trixie’s blue eyes seemed to look right into him. She felt him trying to pull his hand from hers, although he didn’t use any great strength.

“Jim, what is wrong? Please tell me. I know there is something bothering you.”

This time, Jim yanked his hands free from her grasp.

“There is nothing wrong, Trixie.” He turned to walk to his car. She followed.

“Jim, come on, I know you better than anyone. Tell me, please?”

Jim turned half way around, looking down at her. His eyes snapped with anger.

“There is nothing wrong Trixie. Drop it before there is!” Jim stalked away to get into his car. Starting it up, he slammed it into gear and sped out of the driveway.

Trixie stood for a moment in shock. He was angry with her for asking that.

There is definitely something bothering you! I will find out what it is! And I will solve the mystery of why you don’t want to set the date for our wedding too.

A brief niggling of fear passed through her heart. Had Jim changed his mind about getting married?

Trixie slowly walked into the house, deciding tomorrow she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Let him get angry, but she will know what is going on. She prayed that Jim hadn’t changed his mind.

Jim finally gave up the pretense of sleeping about 5:30 am. He had dressed and went down to the stable to give Jupiter a work out.

The horse sensed Jim’s mood and tossed his head in agitation until Jim finally took him out to the open field and let him run off both of their frustrations. Both horse and rider were sweaty when they returned to the stable.

Jim made sure he cleaned Jupe up and let him cool down before returning him to his stall.

Jim entered the kitchen of the Manor House, and heard and smelled the breakfast cooking. He took a mug from the cabinet and filed it with the freshly brewed coffee.

“Jim? I didn’t realize you were up.” Miss Trask said from somewhere behind him.

Jim turned and painted a smile on his face. “Yeah, I was up early and decided to take Jupe on a ride.”

Marjorie nodded, and said, “Breakfast will be ready soon, your parents are in the dining room. They have to leave soon after breakfast for a business trip.”

Jim took his mug of coffee and ran up the stairs to take a quick shower before joining his family for breakfast.

A round of good mornings erupted at the table when Jim joined Matt, Maddie and Honey. That was all they had time for before Celia came into the room with the steaming platters of their breakfast.

After everyone had been served, Matt told Honey and Jim about their planned trip and that they would be gone about a week.

Jim hoped he had made the appropriate responses, but he was preoccupied with his own thoughts.

Soon after breakfast, Honey excused herself to change for work and Jim sat at the table enjoying another cup of coffee. His parents had gotten up to make sure everything was packed for their trip.

Soon enough, all three came back down stairs. Jim caught sight of his sister in her uniform, and the uneasiness returned to churn his breakfast in his stomach.

He, thankfully, was occupied with the good byes to his parents. After they got into the limo and left, Honey said she had to go also. Jim silently watched the door shut behind her.

Jim sat back in the chair and rubbed his hands across his face. Sighing he got up out of the chair and gathered his things to go to the school. He had too many things to do and just couldn’t put it off any longer.

When Jim arrived at the school, he immediately pulled out Laura Anderson’s file and made the call to tell her that she had been hired. He could tell Laura was happy she’d received the job, as she excitedly asked when she could start.

“Monday is soon enough.” He told her.

Regan stuck his head in the door.

“Got a second Jim?”

“Of course, what’s up?”

“Those horses we bought will get delivered early next week. Is that ok?”

“Yeah, that’s perfect. Thanks for everything, Regan.”

“No problem! Boss!” Regan said with a grin and walked back out the door before Jim could respond.

Jim smiled as he put Laura’s file away again. The rest of Jim’s day was spent getting supplies and furniture ordered. He had a meeting with his cooks, to make sure they had a well supplied kitchen. The list was long but he wanted to be sure they had everything they needed.

The rest of the week had Diana coming to him with an art supply budget and they went through that. They ordered the desks and tables. They ordered the beds for the kids. It was beginning to shape up and look like a school.

Trixie had to work part of the weekend, and he missed seeing her. He tried not to resent the fact that the job was already taking her away from him.

Monday morning dawned a dreary cloudy day. It looked like it could rain at any second. Jim ate his breakfast on the run that day. The horses were being delivered, and his new assistant was starting today. He wanted to be on hand to show her where everything was and start her on the job of filing, reorganizing, and setting up their office space.

Kids were arriving within 6 weeks and they were planning to officially start the classes on September 1^st.

His cell phone rang while he walked from the Manor House to the school. He flipped it open and answered.

“Good morning, Sweetie.” He said to Trixie.

“Good morning! I am on my way to work, just thought I’d call. I missed you this weekend.”

Jim paused and took a deep breath.

“Yeah, Trix, I missed you too.”

“So can we do something tonight and tomorrow? I have tomorrow off.” Trixie said hoping he’d say yes.

“I’m sorry , Trixie, I have so much to do right now. The new horses come today and my new assistant is starting. We have a lot to get ready before the kids start arriving.”

Trixie bit her lip and hid her disappointment.

“Ok, Jim, maybe another time.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Jim ended the call and kept walking to the school.

His day started and never really gave him a break. He was thankful, it didn’t give him time to think about Trixie.

He was on hand to help Regan and the former owner unload the 5 horses he’d purchased.

Mart and Rob came out to watch.

Dusting his hands off, he closed the gate to the corral and watched the horses run around a bit to let off pent up energy. Regan began filling feed bins and watering troughs.

“They look good. I can’t wait to get into the saddle again. It’s been awhile for me.” Rob said.

“Me too, at least we get out once in awhile. We have been slacking off these days.” Mart chimed in.

“You’re telling me! You kids used to be wonderful about making sure the horses were exercised. I don’t know- we should have sold the horses off when you all went to college.” Regan said.

“Now Regan, you know how life gets in the way at times. But we are back here and settled and we can help again. And you know you’ll have plenty of help with all of the boys being here.” Mart tried to smooth ruffled feathers.

Regan walked away muttering something under his breath, but, they didn’t miss his grin.

It was a somewhat dusty trio that made their way back into the school. Laura had coffee brewed and Jim helped himself and motioned for the guys to do the same.

He sat on the edge of Laura’s desk and listened as she told him of her progress and phone messages. Mart finished one cup of coffee and said he had an appointment with Diana and he’d see them all later.

Rob soon made excuses too, since he had a lunch date with his parents and he needed to shower and get to the city to meet them.

Jim tackled the paperwork that was waiting for him. He was in awe of how much paperwork it took to open the school. He didn’t even have the students here yet.

He heard the phone ring with his office door open, and heard Laura take the call. She buzzed him and told him through the intercom that he had a call from the Sleepyside Sun.

More interviews? The price I have to pay. More publicity for the school, means more support and more donations.

Jim reached for his phone and answered.

“Jim Frayne.”

“Mr. Frayne, this is Sam Masters, from the Sleepyside Sun. I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions.”

“Yes, that would be fine.” Jim sat back more comfortably in his chair.

“The Sun wants to know if you have any comments concerning the shooting of Officer Belden today.”

Jim’s blood ran cold. He felt a tightening in his chest and struggled for a breath.

“Did- did you say a shooting?” Jim jumped from his seat.

“Yes, I did. I’m sorry, I thought you would have heard by now. Officer Belden was shot in the line of duty today-“

Jim gripped the edge of his desk in a white knuckled grasp. He felt the room spin and he gasped for air.

He couldn’t speak and just slammed the phone down.

Jim took but a second to think. Why hadn’t anyone called him? Where was she? And was she hurt badly? Was she de-? No Frayne, don’t go there.

He ran from the school. Of all days not to have his car!

Laura called after him, asking him if he was ok, but he was gone.

He didn’t take the time to go into the house, he slammed his car door and started the car. Speeding down the driveway, he wondered again why no one called him.

Jim broke a few speeding laws in his efforts to get to the hospital. And he ran into the hospital and was panting as he tried to ask the nurse at the desk where to find Trixie.

“Please, Trixie Belden, where can I find her?”

The nurse looked confused for a moment and then realized the name Belden was familiar.

“Ok, um, I don’t know where she is.”

Jim lost his control. “What do you mean you don’t know? I want to see her right now. Tell me where Trixie Belden is!”

The shouting attracted attention but Jim didn’t care. Several people stopped to stare at the red haired man breathing heavily and shouting.

“Sir, this is a hospital, you will have to leave if you can’t compose yourself.” The nurse said calmly.

“I just need to find her. Tell me where I can find her!”

“Jim?”

Jim spun around to see Trixie standing 5 feet from him. She wore her uniform yet and he didn’t think of anything else but his relief at seeing her there. In two steps he was in front of her pulling her up into a tight embrace. He buried his face into her neck and held her.

Trixie wrapped her arms around him and waited for him to calm down.

His heart beat was thundering in his chest. Jim didn’t know anything but this great need to hold her, feel her and know she was alive. Finally he leaned back far enough to look into her face.

“I was so afraid! I got a call-!”

Jim suddenly set her on her feet and searched and felt her body for signs of injury.

“Jim, I’m fine. It was Hallie who got hurt!”

Jim was visibly relieved and he felt almost weak kneed at her words.

“Come on, sit down over here.” Trixie led him over to the chairs in the waiting area.

Once sitting, Jim grabbed her hand and held it in a death grip. She didn’t mind. Trixie had never seen him this upset before and it was a little scary.

“Hallie was hurt?” he asked.

“Yes, she was riding with Tad and they stopped a drunk driver and he didn’t take kindly to getting stopped. He pulled a gun, and it was fired in the skirmish.”

“Thank god it was Hallie!” Jim said, then, backtracked when he realized what he’d said.

“I mean, that it wasn’t you! I never would have wanted Hallie to be hurt, but at least it wasn’t you. If that made any sense. I’m going to stop babbling now- is she ok?”

Trixie smiled gently at him. She brushed a consoling hand down his cheek and said, “Yes, she’ll be ok. A few stitches should take care of it. It was a graze across her upper arm. And she will be out of here shortly. This time it’s no big deal.”

Jim stared at her long and hard. Trixie’s words were echoing in his head. This time.. This time….This time!

Jim’s grip tightened more than she thought possible, but the stark whiteness of his face worried her. Suddenly he let her hand go and stood up.

“Jim, are you ok?” Trixie stood and placed her hand on his arm.

Jim turned to look down at her. Silently shaking his head. He would have left then, but she had placed her hand on his arm. He looked down at her hand and back up to her eyes.

“I- I can’t do this!” he gasped. His throat felt raw as he pushed the words out.

“What? What are you saying?” Fear gripped Trixie’s heart, leaving her cold.

Jim still shook his head.

“I can’t do this. I can’t watch you get hurt. I can’t love you and know there is a chance you aren’t coming home.”

“But, Jim, I wasn’t hurt.” Trixie felt her heart pounding in her head.

“Not “this time”. I’m sorry! Good bye Trixie.” Jim yanked his arm away from her and started to walk away.

He took 3 steps and then began to run. He pushed through the door and ran to his car, faintly hearing Trixie calling after him.

Trixie followed him outside and stood on the curb watching him speed away in his car. Feeling close to tears, she jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Was that Jim? Where was he going in such a hurry?” A concerned Honey asked.

Seeing her best friend’s concern sent Trixie over the edge and she burst into tears.

Honey took her friend into her arms and let her cry.

Smoothing the back of Trixie’s curls, she asked quietly, “Are you worried about Hallie? It is really just a flesh wound, nothing to worry about.”

Trixie shook her head against Honey’s shoulder.

“Did Jim say something to upset you?”

Trixie nodded and lifted her tear stained face.

“I, I think th-that Jim, j-just broke u-up wi-with me.” Trixie hiccupped.

Honey brought her hand up to wipe Trixie’s cheeks dry.

“No, I’m sure he didn’t. Jim loves you!”

Trixie shook her head.

“He was so upset. I – I knew something was wrong wi- with him.”

Honey pulled her towards one of the benches located outside of the hospital. Sitting them both down, Honey put an arm around her friend.

“What is wrong with him? He’s seemed fine at home.”

Trixie explained Jim’s strange behavior lately. How distant she felt he was being and his reluctance to set their date for the wedding.

Honey shushed her and told her that it would all be all right.

“I hope so.” Trixie sniffled and then wiped her face again.

“Just give me a minute Honey, then I’ll come back inside.”

Honey nodded and got up with a final pat on Trixie’s shoulder.

Resting her elbows in her lap, Trixie wiped her face dry and took a shuddering breath.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was gone. She looked down at her engagement ring sparkling on her left hand.

Jim, you can’t leave me now! You promised to marry me, you promised!

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