The next afternoon, Trixie was back at the celebration. Crowds of people were moving about, taking in the festivities. Families were traveling between the food tents and the rides. As she patrolled, she thought about her earlier encounter with Molinson. He had been concerned about her injuries, but she had told him she was just fine and could still do her job.

Now, she was two hours into her shift and would be stationed near the rides until it closed down for the night. As she looked around, she could see the residents of Sleepyside and surrounding communities having a good time. She felt this celebration would continue to occur yearly.

As the night dragged on, she saw several couples walking hand in hand between the rides and games. She smiled, watching them have a good time. Trixie made her way past the games and thought back to that morning when she woke up.

The sun was streaming through the window, making the room bright. Even though her eyes were closed, she knew it was morning. She shifted slightly and felt a pair of arms pull her close. Trixie moved her head and could feel a set of strong abs underneath a shirt realizing she had fallen asleep on her side with her head on someone’s chest. She had a sense of security, even though she couldn’t recall where she was.

Slowly opening her eyes, she saw part of a white shirt. Trixie turned her head a little and recognized the living room of the Manor House. I must have fallen asleep here.

Before she could move, she heard Jim say, “Good morning.”

“Morning.”

“How did you sleep?” Jim asked rubbing her back.

“Pretty well. Did you stay down here all night?”

“I really couldn’t go anywhere.” Jim brushed the curls away from her face.

Trixie leaned back and looked at Jim. “Thank you for letting me stay here last night.”

“I didn’t feel comfortable letting you stay at the farm by yourself.”

“I’m glad you asked.”

“Do you have to work today?”

“Later. I bet Molinson will have a few words for me about my injuries.”

“He may, but don’t let him get to you.”

“I won’t.”

Jim switched subjects. “Are you going to try and figure out what those two men are up to?”

“I want to find out, but I still need to figure out what my next step will be.”

“Just remember, I am here to help. I may not be Honey, but I can put clues together.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Jim leaned in and gave her a kiss.

Trixie shook her head bringing her back to the present. She had enjoyed waking beside Jim and wondered if it would ever happen again. She knew that was something she could think about later. She had to figure out if the two men were really up to something, or if it was her imagination.

She was about to make her way back down the path between the rides, when she noticed everyone was hurrying past her in the opposite direction.

“What’s going on?” she asked a group of teenage boys that were passing by.

“There’s a fire behind Town Hall!” one said as they continued on quickly.

Trixie watched the people go. Part of her wanted to check it out, but a voice inside her reminded her that she had a job to do.

I need to stay here in case someone thinks this is the opportune time to commit a crime, she thought. If I left and something happened, Molinson would have my head. But part of me feels that something is going to happen here or nearby. The fire is a distraction. Something is going to happen elsewhere. I can feel it.

She slowly made her way along the rides, looking for anything out of the ordinary. All her senses were on alert. She reached the end of the row of rides and turned around. She made her way back the way she had came.

Trixie noticed three shadows run past the Ferris Wheel toward one of the games. She had a feeling something was going on. She quickly and silently made her way toward the Ferris Wheel. She looked at the booth and saw one person standing outside the booth in the shadows. She couldn’t see the other two. The one outside was looking around nervously. She couldn’t tell if the figure was male or female.

All of a sudden, two people slunk from behind the booth nervously looking around. One of the two were carrying a box. The three of them started walking in her direction and were startled when she said, “Stop right there, guys.”

“We didn’t do anything, Trixie,” a familiar voice said.

“Bobby!”

Continue to Chapter 13