In the early hours of the morning, he sat in the nursery with the lights dimmed, rocking Katje. He was unaware of the time. Jim couldn’t let her out of his sight. He had been sitting there for several hours, trying to be optimistic that Trixie would come back to them soon.

But as more time passes, my optimism seems to diminish, he thought. It has been almost five full days since they were taken and not a word. This is so frustrating and there’s nothing we can do.

Chief Allen had a point that it would not be wise for us to search because there are so many places that they could’ve been taken. But at least the officers are keeping an eye out for them.

I wish Chief Allen would have let me confront Luke to find their location. Deep down, I know he knows where they are. If I had that moment, I would probably beat it out of him. But I could have ended up in jail and what good would I be if, or when, Trixie is found.

This is something I never even fathomed. I’ve always worried that she would be shot while working on a case. Kidnapping never entered my mind. And now she is missing and I have no clue if I will ever see her again.

Jim pulled Katje close to his chest and closed his eyes. He felt as it he was hanging onto the last link to Trixie and felt he could never let her go.

As they sat there, Jim thought about returning to the house. He had assured Helen and Peter that he was going to be okay, but he needed to be at home with his daughter.

But they weren’t alone. Honey, Brian, Mart and Di were also there, feeling the need just to be together. The four of them were downstairs and reiterated that they would be there for Jim if he needed them.

I know they only want to help me through this, but I need Trixie, he thought. She is my world and I’m not sure how I can go on. Our separation when she was at college was one of the worst times of my life following the death of my parents. She is the light of my life and I’m not ready for that light to be extinguished.

Feeling his arms growing stiff from holding Katje for so long, he got to his feet and moved over to the crib, settling her on the mattress. After covering her with a light blanket, he brushed her red hair back from her face, watching her sleep.

In the distance Jim heard a phone ring, but he ignored it. He figured it was his parents checking to see how he was coping. They were still trying to get back. A severe storm in Europe had grounded every plane. He leaned on the railing and just watched their little girl sleep peacefully. He had no idea how Katje would grow if Trixie never came back.

“Jim?” Honey asked softly.

“Tell mother and Dad that I’m doing fine.”

“Jim?” He heard the emotion in her voice.

Turning away from Katje, he looked at his sister and saw the tears in her eyes. “What?”

Tears streamed down her face. “That was Chief Allen on the phone.”

Jim gripped the rail of the crib tightly, making his knuckles turn white. The look on her face seemed to say it all: Trixie was dead.

“They found her.”

Jim stared at her. He wasn’t sure he heard her right. “Honey?”

She moved toward him nodding. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight. “They found her. She’s at the hospital.”

Jim was stunned. He couldn’t believe it. “Really?”

“Really,” a male voice said.

Jim looked up and saw Brian and Mart standing in the doorway. He swallowed. “Where is she?”

“At the hospital,” Brian said. “We need to go.”

“But Katje.”

“Di said she would take her to the Manor House,” Mart said.

“All right. We should go then,” Jim said. He looked at the others and realized they were as stunned as him. But there was relief that she was finally found.

Arriving at the hospital, Jim jumped out of the car as soon as Brian put it in park. He rushed toward the emergency room doors, anxious to see his wife.

Approaching the desk, Jim saw Chief Allen pacing the waiting room. He moved toward him.

“Where are they?” Jim asked. “Where’s Trixie?”

Chief Allen turned to face him. “They are in with the doctors right now. Did you come alone?” He paused and looked past him. “Never mind. Here they come.”

Jim looked over his shoulder and saw Brian and Honey hurrying toward him. A moment later Mart entered the waiting room.

Mart said, “I informed the nurses that you were here. They said they would let the doctor know.”

Jim turned back to Chief Allen. “What happened?”

“Let’s sit down. This will take a few minutes.”

Settling on the plastic chairs, the four of them focused on Chief Allen, waiting for the story.

“About three hours ago, two officers patrolling near the warehouse district spotted Mangan making his way down the street. He flagged them down and took them to where Trixie was. They called for an ambulance and they were brought here.”

“Have you talked to Dan or Trixie?” Jim asked.

Chief Allen shook his head. “Not yet. The doctors wouldn’t let me back there.”

“They need to treat their injuries first,” Brian said.

“They have to be all right,” Jim said. “They have to be.”

“They are getting the best care possible,” Honey said, putting her arm around Jim’s shoulder. “They’ll be okay.”

Before anyone could say anything else, a doctor stepped into the waiting room. “Mr. Frayne?”

Jim’s gaze quickly turned to the doctor who was dressed in scrubs. Jim stood up. “That’s me.”

“I’m Dr. Mills.” He appeared to be in his late 40s with black hair beginning to go white. “Would you come with me?”

“Whatever you have to say, you can say it here. We’re all family.”

Dr. Mills smiled. “All right.” He moved further into the waiting room and sat down beside Chief Allen.

“How is Trixie?” Jim asked, once the doctor was settled.

Dr. Mills let out a breath. “Your wife is in serious condition.” Jim closed his eyes. “She’s weak and dehydrated. We’ve got her on a couple IV’s to put the nutrients and fluids back into her system. She also has a concussion and four broken ribs.”

“Oh, man,” Jim said.

“Can you tell which injuries were from the accident?” Brian asked.

“Accident?”

Honey nodded. “They were run off the road a couple days ago.”

Jim looked at the doctor as he continued. “I believe the concussion is from the accident. From looking at the X-rays of her ribs, we’ve been able to determine they’ve been that way for a couple days. She also has cuts and bruises, but those will heal. We’ve bandaged her wrists where it appears she was tied up.”

Jim couldn’t believe her injuries. “Will she be all right?”

“She will be with time. She is going to need time to heal.”

“Can I see her?” Jim asked. He had been away from her for too long. He had to see her.

“Of course.” Dr. Mills smiled. “I’ll take you to her room.”

Jim got to his feet, as did Dr. Mills. Jim looked at the others. Brian said, “We’ll wait here for the others and fill them in.”

“Thanks.”

“Tell her we love her and will see her soon,” Honey added.

Jim nodded and followed Dr. Mills out of the room.

A few minutes later they were on the third floor making their way toward Trixie’s room. They stopped outside and Dr. Mills said, “Go ahead in. Don’t worry about disturbing anyone. The room is private.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“You’re welcome. If you need me for anything, just press the call button beside the bed.”

“All right.”

As Dr. Mills made his way down the hall, Jim turned back to the door. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

He noticed the dimmed light illuminated Trixie’s bruised face. But he thought it was a beautiful face. Moving to the bed, he got a closer look at her injuries. Bandages were wrapped around her wrists and covering cuts on her arms.

Reaching over, Jim brushed the curls away from her pale face. She appeared to be sleeping peacefully. He leaned down and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. As he leaned back, he said, “I love you, Trixie.”

Pulling a chair over, he settled in the seat. He took Trixie’s left hand in his and held it tight. He wasn’t going to let her go ever again.

The world slowly returned to Trixie’s senses. She felt she was resting on something soft. Unsure of where she was and having the urge to know, she forced her weighted down eyelids open.

Blinking a few times, she weakly looked around the room and realized she was in the hospital. Looking down, she saw Jim asleep in the chair beside her, holding her hand.

Trixie looked at his face. It was pale and he hadn’t shaved in several days. But she didn’t care. He was still handsome to her. Using the small amount of energy she had, Trixie squeezed Jim’s hand, hoping to wake him.

She watched his head move ever so slightly and then fall to his chest. He jerked his head up and opened his eyes.

A moment later, his entire body jerked up and he leaned toward the bed. “Oh sweetie,” he said, touching her face. “I’m so glad to see you.”

“Jim,” she whispered. She felt the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Shhh,” Jim said, reaching up and wiping away the tears. “It’s all right.” He moved over and sat down on the bed beside her. “You’re all right.”

“Hold me.” She wanted to be close to him.

“Forever.” Jim moved closer and wrapped his arms around her being careful of her injuries. “I’ll hold you forever.”

Trixie leaned into him, taking in his strength. She felt safe with him and was glad he was there. Jim gently caressed her back.

“How are you feeling, Trix?”

“Tired. Sore. Relieved.”

“You’re not the only one who’s relieved.”

“Do you know what happened?” Jim leaned back and looked at her. She saw the puzzled look on his face. “What?”

“Don’t you remember what happened?”

“What I meant was how did I wind up here?”

Jim reached up and brushed the curls back from her face as she settled against the pillows piled up behind her.

“Dan found help and they got you here,” Jim said, taking hold of her hand again. “I’m not sure of all the details. I haven’t seen him. I was more worried about you.”

“Jim,” she looked down. “I’m sorry this happened.”

“This is not your fault,” Jim said gently. “You had no idea Luke was going to take you two. None of this is your fault and you shouldn’t blame yourself.” Jim lifted her chin with his hand so their eyes were locked. “This is not your fault, okay?”

“Okay.”

There was a tapping on the door and Jim said, “Come in.”

The door opened and Dr. Mills walked into the room carrying a clipboard. He smiled. “I’m glad to see you’re awake.”

“I’m glad to be awake and here.”

As the doctor started checking Trixie over, Jim got up from the bed and moved out of the way. He kept on eye on her from a distance. Once Dr. Mills put his stethoscope in his pocket, Jim moved back to the bed.

“You’re doing well,” Dr. Mills said. “But I do recommend plenty of rest.”

“She’ll get it,” Jim said.

“Well, I’m going to check on my other patients. If you need anything, have a nurse page me.”

“Thank you,” Jim said.

“I’ll see you both later.” Dr. Mills left the room.

As Jim took her hand in his, the door was opened again and a head peeked in. It was Brian. “Are you up for some visitors?”

“Sure,” Trixie said, squeezing Jim’s hand.

He pushed the door open and everyone came in. Helen and Peter were first through the door and over to the bed. They gave her a hug and then stepped back letting Honey, Di, Brian, Mart and Bobby do the same.

“How are you feeling?” Helen asked, brushing the curls back from her face.

“I’m all right. I’m just glad to be back.”

“We’re glad to have you back too,” Helen said.

“Have any of you seen or talked to Dan?” Trixie asked, looking at her visitors.

“Regan is with him now,” Brian answered. “The doctors admitted Dan too.”

“Trixie, can you tell us what happened?” Helen asked.

“I think that should wait,” Jim spoke up. “The doctor insisted she rest and get her strength back.”

“You’re right,” Peter said. “And it really doesn’t matter now that she’s back home.”

“Dad’s right,” Mart said.

“And we should get out of here and let you rest,” Di said.

“Thank you all for coming by,” Trixie said.

“We’ll see you later,” Helen said.

After additional hugs and kisses, Jim and Trixie were left alone in the room. Jim pushed the door closed as Trixie shifted in the bed trying to find a more comfortable position.

Once she was settled, she leaned her head back and looked at Jim. He had his back against the door.

“You do look tired.” Jim moved back to the bed and sat down beside her.

Trixie felt her eyes drooping. “Are you going anywhere?”

Jim reached up and brushed the curls behind her ear. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Would you hold me?” Trixie asked.

“Of course.”

Trixie kept her eyes open slightly, watching Jim settle on his right side beside her. He stretched his right arm under her head and slid as close as he could.

She closed her eyes as she turned her head to face Jim. She felt Jim take both of her hands in his and then kiss her forehead. “I love you, Trixie.”

“I love you, Jim,” Trixie mumbled and they went to sleep.

Trixie woke to a feeling of contentment. She slowly opened her eyes to a small amount of sunlight streaming through the window. Hearing soft snoring, she turned her head to the left and saw Jim was still asleep.

He is so handsome, she thought. She could see the exhausted look on his face even though he was deeply asleep. This was hard on me, but it was also hard on him not knowing my whereabouts or whether I was dead or alive.

I am so glad to be back with him. Right now it doesn’t matter that I’m stuck here in the hospital. I am back with the people I care about most.

Leaning over without jarring her ribs, she kissed her husband on the lips. His head moved slightly and he slowly opened his eyes. He gave her a smile. “Hey there.”

“Hey yourself.”

Jim reached up and caressed her cheek. “How did you sleep?”

“Wonderfully because you were here with me.”

Jim leaned over and gave her a kiss. “You know I love you, don’t you?”

“As much as I love you.”

“You don’t know how worried I was when I found out you were missing,” Jim said softly. “I knew you would find a way back to us.”

“You have to thank Dan for that. He did what he could to keep me safe.”

“I will have to thank him. I’m just grateful you’re back.”

“So am I.”

A knocking on the door caught their attention. Trixie groaned. “Won’t we ever get any time alone?”

“Not while you’re in here.” Jim sat up. “Come in.”

The door was pushed open and a wheelchair entered with Dan in it.

“Dan!” Trixie exclaimed.

“How are you feeling?” Dan asked as Regan rolled the chair toward the bed.

Trixie looked Dan over and saw he was covered in cuts and bruises. She also saw his left arm was in a sling. But he appeared to be all right otherwise.

“I’m all right,” she answered.

“That’s good to hear.”

Regan moved to the far side of the bed and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “That is good to hear.”

“How about you?” Trixie asked. “Are you okay?”

“Just minor injuries and a little dehydration.”

“That’s the same with me. But I also have a concussion and a couple busted ribs.”

“You know, I would like to get my hands on Luke and give him a taste of his own medicine,” Dan said.

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Jim said. “He’s in police custody.”

“Really?” Dan and Trixie asked simultaneously.

Jim nodded. “Chief Allen said officers apprehended him after he sold Trixie’s rings at a pawn shop.”

“At least he won’t hurt us anymore,” Dan said.

“That’s for sure,” Jim said reaching back and brushing the curls from her face.

“Can you tell us what happened?” Regan asked. “I still have no clue as to how you two were kidnapped.”

“Why don’t you sit down?” Dan suggested. “It’s going to take a few minutes.”

Once Regan was seated, Trixie and Dan took turns explaining.

“We had gone to lunch at that little shop outside the city that’s known for its amazing sandwiches,” Dan began. “Then we started back to the city because I needed to change for work.”

“We were driving along when I saw a car following us,” Trixie said. “The car came quickly and rammed us a couple times. I guess we went off the road because the next thing I knew, we were in this room.”

Jim took her hand and gave it a squeeze as Dan picked up the story.

“When I came to, I found Trixie unconscious and both of us locked in a room. She finally came to and I could tell she was hurting. Luke came in then and said it was time for me to pay.”

“Luke separated us later,” Trixie said. “He dragged me to another room and afterward I fell asleep. He returned sometime later and I took a chance at getting out of there by running at him.” Trixie reached up and touched her throat. She could still feel the bruises. “He was too strong for me. He moved toward me and strangled me. I blacked out.”

“Trixie!” Jim exclaimed.

“Oh, man,” Dan groaned.

Trixie knew they weren’t going to like the next part. “When I came to, Luke had tied me up. My wrists were bound to my ankles behind my back.”

“I still can’t believe he did that,” Dan said. “After he dragged you out of the room, he left me alone until I was able to get the door open and get to you.”

Jim reached up and cupped her face in his hand. “Oh, Trix.”

She looked down at the bed. “When he took my rings, he kicked me in the chest and probably broke my ribs.”

“I’m going to kill him,” Jim said angrily.

Trixie grabbed Jim’s arm. “You’re not doing anything.” He turned to look at her. “I need you here.”

She saw the anger leave his eyes. “I’m sorry.” He leaned his forehead against hers and she knew he was sincere.”

“So,” Regan said. “All Dan’s injuries were from the accident and Luke took his anger out on Trixie.”

“It seems that way.”

“He won’t ever hurt you again,” Jim said. “I won’t let him ever get a hand on you again.”

“Neither will I,” Dan said. “He has no right going after my friends when they haven’t done anything to him.”

“He will get what’s coming to him especially if it’s time in jail,” Regan said.

“He has to have broken the requirements of his parole,” Dan said. “Hopefully he’ll be in jail for a long time now.”

“I hope so too,” Trixie said.

At that moment, the nurse walked in. “That’s where you disappeared to, Mr. Mangan.”

“I just needed to see how my best friend was doing,” Dan said. He quickly glanced at his uncle and then back at the nurse. “I’m heading back to my room.”

“Good, because you need your rest, as does Mrs. Frayne.”

“All right,” Dan said. He looked at Trixie. “I’ll be back.”

Trixie smiled. “I’ll be here.”

Regan got to his feet and wheeled Dan out of the room. They were followed by the nurse.

Jim reached up and ran his hands through her curls once they were alone. “The nurse is right. You should get some rest.”

“I think it will be fitful because I’m back where I belong.”

“And I like that.” Jim gave her a kiss.

Trixie leaned her head against the pillows and felt her eyes growing heavy once again. Jim gently caressed her cheek as she went to sleep.

Epilogue

Cutting up the last of the lettuce, Trixie finished getting the salad ready for dinner. It had been more than three weeks since she had been kidnapped and was beginning to feel better. She had spent a week in the hospital under observation just to make sure there were no complications from her injuries.

When she was released, she had been adamant about rescheduling the Bob-White dinner since the plans had fallen through unexpectedly.

Turning quickly, she hissed in pain when her ribs hurt and she scolded herself for moving so quickly and not remembering she was hurt. She stood still and took a couple breaths until the pain subsided.

Turning slowly, she made her way to the sink and started on the dishes so there wouldn’t be a mess once they finished eating.

At that moment, the kitchen door opened and Jim walked in. “Trixie, leave the dishes and I’ll do them.”

Trixie turned from the sink. “I think I can handle the dishes.”

“You’re supposed to be taking it easy,” Jim said.

“I am.”

“Oh, really? Then why does it seem like you’ve prepared a 10-course meal?”

“It’s not 10 courses.  I made chicken and baked potatoes. And I also made a salad.” She smiled at Jim. “Honey and Di are bringing dessert.”

Jim moved toward her. He carefully wrapped his arms around her waist. “Are you sure you didn’t overdo it? You know what the doctor said.”

“I do know and I’m not pushing myself too hard.” She touched his face. “Don’t worry so much.”

“I think I’ll always worry about you.”

Trixie rested her arms on top of Jim’s arms. “I’ll always worry about you, too.”

As they leaned toward one another, Katje started crying. They both laughed.

“Always when we’re in the middle of something,” Trixie groaned.

“We’ll finish this later when we’re alone.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“So am I.” Jim released his hold on Trixie and went to their daughter.

Trixie watched him go, glad to be back home.

A knocking on the door got her attention. She moved to the door and pulled it open, revealing Dan.

“Hey, Trix,” he said, leaning forward and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Hey, Dan. Glad you could make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

“Come on in.”

Once in, Trixie closed the door and turned to face him. She gave him a quick once over and saw his injuries were not as visible as before except for his arm in a sling. The bruises were fading and he was looking more and more like the Dan she knew.

“How are you feeling?” Dan asked.

“I’m all right. Every once in a while I get some pain, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

“That’s good.”

Trixie leaned against the counter and stared at Dan. “So, have you given any more thought to what we talked about?”

“I have.”

Trixie waited. “And?”

Dan smiled. “You’ll just have to wait until the others get here.”

“Not even a hint?”

“No hints.”

Footsteps returning made both of them turn their heads. Jim came into the kitchen carrying Katje.

“Dan!” Jim exclaimed. “You made it.”

“Of course,” Dan said with a smile. “I had to be here. Look what happened when I missed the last one.”

“You kept us all busy,” Jim admitted, moving over to Trixie.

“It wasn’t intentional,” Dan said.

“No one blames you,” Trixie said. “And you shouldn’t be blaming yourself. It was an unfortunate incident.”

“That’s right,” Jim said.

More knocking on the door informed them that they others had arrived. Jim went to the door and let Brian, Honey, Mart and Di into the kitchen.

After greetings and having drinks poured, they all moved into the living room since dinner had a little more time to be cooked. Once seated, Jim handed Katje to Trixie. He had been insistent that she not lift Katje a lot until her ribs had completely healed and she was doing her best.

Trixie looked at Dan and felt it was time he spilled what was on his mind.

“Okay, Dan,” Trixie said. “It’s time you talked.”

“What’s going on?” Honey asked.

“Are we missing something?” Brian asked as he draped his arm across the back of the couch behind Honey.

“Dan?” Di asked.

“Okay.” He let out a breath and looked at everyone dragging out his news.

“Dan, if you don’t say something, I will,” Trixie said.

“You know something?” Honey asked. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“It’s not my news to tell,” Trixie said. “Dan was thinking about something and I think he’s finally made a decision.”

“About what?” Mart asked.

“Well,” Dan said. “For the past couple months I’ve been wondering if I was really cut out for police work. I’ve spent so much time patrolling that I wasn’t sure if I had chosen the right career.”

“Why did you think this wasn’t the right path?” Brian asked.

“I’ve talked with some of the veterans and they’ve been dealing with the same things day after day, year after year. I don’t want to do that. I thought being a police officer would help people, but it only seems that I’m there for a moment and then gone. And a short time later, we’re back to the same place for the same reason. It doesn’t seem as if there’s any headway.”

“So, what are you going to do?” Di asked.

“I’ve already done it,” Dan said. “I quit.”

“When did you do that?” Jim asked.

“The day after I was released from the hospital,” Dan said. “I’m on disability right now, but once I’ve been cleared to work, I have two weeks and then I’m officially unemployed.”

“Any idea what you’re going to do now?” Honey asked.

“I figured I’d heal up and then cross that bridge.”

“You know, you’re always welcome to join the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency,” Honey said. “With your experience, you’d make a great partner.”

Dan and Trixie laughed, knowing a position had been offered. Dan said, “You and Trixie really do think along the same lines. When we were talking about this, she said the same thing.”

“There’s no need to rush him,” Jim said. “Give him some time off to relax before hounding him to work with you two.”

“They won’t need to ‘hound’ him,” Mart said.

“And why’s that?” Brian asked.

“We all know Dan. He can’t sit still long enough to relax. He always has to be doing something, even when he is on vacation.”

They all laughed knowing Mart was right.

At that moment, the buzzer went off on the stove.

“The food is ready,” Mart said.

“It will be once it’s on the table,” Jim said getting to his feet.

“We’ll help,” Honey said following suit with Di.

They followed Jim into the kitchen. As Brian and Mart fell in step behind the others, Mart scooped Katje out of Trixie’s arms.

Trixie slowly got to her feet and motioned for Dan to wait a moment. Once they were alone, Dan asked, “What is it?”

“I need to thank you.”

“You don’t have to, Trix.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Trix.”

“Dan, let me just say this.” He nodded. “Dan, when we were separated and I was tied up by Luke, I kept trying to figure a way out, but couldn’t. When I woke to you calling my name, I knew then that we would be safe.”

“I don’t let anyone hurt my fellow Bob-Whites.”

“And we made it out of there because of you.”

“We made it out together,” Dan said. “It wasn’t just me.”

Trixie put her hand on Dan’s good arm. “It was you. You knew my injuries were bad and took it upon yourself to get help. Dan, if it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t be here today. You were instrumental in getting us back to everyone we cared about.” She gave Dan a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“I know you would do the same thing for me.”

“I always watch out for my Bob-Whites too. And for what you did for me, that means I owe you.”

“No, you don’t,” Dan said.

“I do. If you need anything, a job or whatever, it’s yours. It’s the least I could do.” She smiled at Dan. “And there’s no arguing about it.”

“I don’t plan to argue.” Dan returned the smile. “I’m glad you’re my friend.”

“I’m glad you’re one of mine too.”

“Trixie! Dan! Come on!” Mart called out. “I’m hungry.”

“We’re coming,” Trixie said.

Looking at Dan, he nodded and they made their way into the dining room. Trixie settled in a set beside Jim and looked around the table. She was happy to be back with the people she loved most in the world: her family – the Bob-Whites.

 

 

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