Part 1

Trixie Belden leaned her head against her bedroom window, hoping the throbbing in her head would subside on the cool February day.

It was Saturday, one week before the 23-year-old would marry the man she had loved for 10 years, James Winthrop Frayne II. She had just snuck away from her bridal shower for a couple minutes of peace and quiet. At the shower, everyone was talking about the wedding and discussing when Trixie and Jim would have their first child.

She knew the bridal shower was just the start of the weeklong events. Several days this week, she had appointments with the seamstress to make sure her wedding dress fit perfectly. In the middle of the week, there would be a family gathering of both sides at a restaurant in White Plains. Trixie’s relatives from Idaho were coming to Sleepyside, along with Jim’s only blood relatives, Juliana and her family, who were coming from Holland. Both of them were looking forward to their families being in attendance for the special day.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Come in.”

The door opened, and she turned to see who it was. Honey stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. “Trix, are you all right?” Honey came over and sat down on Trixie’s bed.

Trixie looked at her best friend and sister-in-law. “I just needed some time alone.”

“Are you sure that’s it?”

Trixie nodded. “There’s just a lot going on and I feel overwhelmed.”

“I felt the same way before I married Brian.”

“You had more reason to be overwhelmed, since Brian had been kidnapped.”

“But everything turned out all right,” Honey sighed happily.

“It did.”

“Are you sure you’re all right? There’s nothing bothering you at all?”

Trixie smiled at Honey. “I’m fine.”

“Okay.” Honey returned the smile. “There was a reason I came to find you. Moms said some of the guests are getting ready to go, and she wants you to see them off.”

“All right. I’ll be down in a moment after I wash my face.”

“I’ll let Moms know.” Honey got to her feet and left the room.

Trixie took a breath and got to her feet. She thought, The sooner I get this over with, the sooner this week will go by. I hope.

* * * * *

That night after dinner, Trixie made her way to Ten Acres, the house Jim had built to replace the one that burned to the ground 10 years earlier. As she got out of her Jeep, she saw a light on in the kitchen, letting her know that Jim was home.

She went to the kitchen door and knocked twice. A moment later, Jim pulled the door open with a smile. She stepped inside and he closed the door. As she turned around, she felt Jim take her into his arms and pull her close.

“I missed you today,” he whispered softly in her ear.

“I missed you, too.” Trixie snuggled close to him.

Jim leaned down and kissed her. “How was the bridal shower?”

“It was all right,” she replied with forced enthusiasm.

Jim leaned back and she looked up at him. He brushed a blond curl away from her face. “How is it that I have a hard time believing you?”

Trixie stepped out of Jim’s embrace, slid her coat off and sat down at the kitchen table. He sat down beside her.

“You know I’m not into all that girl talk and being the ‘happy’ housewife.”

“And that’s what was mostly talked about all afternoon.” It was not a question.

“You’ve got it. But that’s not the worst part.”

“What happened?”

Trixie got to her feet and started pacing. “I don’t remember who said it, but someone said that once the wedding takes place that you’d have an easy time keeping me here, because there is so much to do that I wouldn’t have time for mysteries.”

“They didn’t.”

“They did. I was angry, but I didn’t say anything, even though I wanted to tell all of them about the agency Honey and I are going to open once she’s had the baby.”

“That would have thrown them for a loop.”

“I know, but I didn’t want to give anyone a heart attack.”

“That’s probably a good thing.”

“Now, that irritated me. But what really made me mad was that people were trying to figure out how soon after we’re married that we’ll start our own family.”

“What?”

She looked at Jim and saw his green eyes were wide open with his mouth hanging open.

“That’s how I felt, and I was sitting right there. I couldn’t believe how they were planning our lives.”

“Trixie.”

“I just don’t know if I’m going to survive the week if this continues.”

“Trix.”

“I mean, it’s our wedding. It’s supposed to be the happiest time of my life, but I feel as if I’m being dragged in 10 different directions because of what people are expecting of me and the life we’re about to start, and it’s driving me crazy.”

“Trixie!”

“What?!” she yelled as she whirled around to face him. He was staring at her with a surprised look on his face. She lowered her voice. “I’m so sorry.”

Jim laughed. “It’s all right.”

“No, it isn’t. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.”

“I would rather have you yell at me than to keep it bottled up.” He reached for her hand and pulled her back to the table.

“I really didn’t mean it. There’s so much going on that part of me wishes we had eloped.”

“If we had, you would’ve regretted not having a nice ceremony with our families and friends.”

“No, I wouldn’t.”

“Yes, you would.” Jim squeezed her hand. “You want to have your family there on our wedding day. Just like I want mine there.”

Trixie looked at Jim and knew he was right. She would feel bad if her family wasn’t there.

“You’re right.”

“I know.” Jim leaned over and gave her a kiss.

After the quick kiss, Trixie pushed Jim away. With a smile, she said, “Just don’t get used to it.”

Jim grinned. “I won’t.”

“So, how was your day?”

“It was all right.”

“If it was just all right, you could’ve rescued me from the shower.”

“From what Mother said, the bridal shower is traditional, and there was no way I was going to step foot in the farm today.”

“Coward.”

“Thank you.” Jim laughed. “Actually, it was nice just hanging out with Dad. The two of us talked, and I learned more about my real dad.”

“That must have been nice,” Trixie said softly. “You probably learned about things you never thought your dad would do.”

“That’s true. But part of me wishes that he was still around telling me these things himself,” Jim said wistfully.

Trixie moved to Jim and wrapped her arms around his neck. She knew he missed his birth parents, and that was something neither of them could change. She hoped that when they had their family, they would live long enough to see their children grow into adults and have children of their own.

“At least you have memories of your dad,” Trixie said. “There are some people who don’t even have that.”

“I know.”

Trixie knew she needed to switch to a happier subject. She leaned back and looked at Jim. “Can you believe in one week, you and I will be husband and wife?”

“I can’t wait.” Jim wrapped his arms around and pulled her to him so she was sitting on his lap. He leaned toward her and they kissed once again.

At that moment, the phone rang. Jim groaned. Trixie said, kissing Jim, “Let the machine get it.”

They stayed where they were and heard the beep for the caller to leave a message. “It may be a week to your wedding, but I doubt you’ll make it to the altar.”

A little while later, Trixie played the message for the fifth time, trying to figure out who the caller was or where the person was calling from. She didn’t like the feeling she had from the message.

“Anything?” Jim asked from behind her.

“No.” Trixie shook her head. “Did the voice sound familiar to you at all?”

“No. It seemed distorted or something.”

“And here I thought our wedding would go off without a hitch.” Trixie sighed. “I guess that was just wishful thinking.”

“You don’t seem excited that you have a mystery to solve,” Jim observed. “This is the first one since you were injured in October.”

Trixie looked at Jim. “I do enjoy a mystery, but this is the worst time for one to fall in my lap. I’m stressed enough as it is.”

“Does that mean you’ll be letting the police handle it?”

Trixie knew Jim was worried. She had just started getting back to her normal activities. She knew he didn’t want anything to happen where she would end up back in the hospital, and neither did she.

“The police can have it. But I want to hear where the call came from.” Trixie picked up the phone and dialed *69. She looked at Jim as the phone rang on the other end.

“Hello? Steve’s Pizza, how can I help you?”

“Sorry,” Trixie said. “I’ve got the wrong number.”

She set the phone down and closed her eyes. She thought, That was a dead end.

“Maybe it was someone’s idea of a joke,” Jim said, pulling her into his arms.

“I hope you’re right. I just want this week to go by smoothly.”

“So do I.” Jim caressed her back. “So do I.”

Trixie held onto Jim. Even though she hoped things would go as planned, she had a feeling something bad was going to happen.

* * * * *

Two days later, Trixie was sitting in her bedroom at Crabapple Farm, working on her wedding vows. She and Jim had decided they wanted to express their love with their own vows. She was having a hard time choosing the right words.

Maybe I should just think about it more. I don’t have to do it today. It just has to be done by the start of the ceremony. I’ll definitely work on it later. But right now, I’d better work on packing my things so the boxes can be moved to Ten Acres.

She moved to the window and gazed out at the snow-covered yard. A sense of sadness washed over her. I can’t believe that after Saturday I won’t be living here anymore. It seems so weird. But I guess that’s how everyone feels. I just can’t wait until we’re husband and wife. I have always wished for this, and now it’s finally coming true.

The phone ringing interrupted her thoughts. She grabbed the extension in the hallway.

“Hello?”

“Your wedding day will not be as happy as you thought.”

Trixie recognized the voice as the same one that had left the message on Jim’s answering machine.

“Who is this?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to ruin our wedding?”

“I’m not doing anything to your wedding. You’ll ruin it yourself.” Click.

Trixie slowly lowered the phone, wondering who the caller was. The voice didn’t seem familiar, but she knew that whoever it was knew Jim and her.

She quickly hit *69, hoping to have some luck identifying the caller. The phone continued to ring, but no one answered. She ended the call.

“Why is this happening now?” she muttered.

At that moment, the phone rang again.

“Hello?”

“Trixie, it’s Madeleine.”

“Hi. How are you?” Trixie asked.

“I’m all right, Trixie, but there’s a reason I called.”

Trixie instantly heard the worry in her voice. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”

“Trixie, Jim’s father and I are on our way to the hospital. Jim’s been in an accident.”

“Oh, no!” Trixie said, putting her hand to her mouth. “Is it serious?”

“We don’t know. All we were told was that Jim was there.”

“All right. I’ll meet you there.”

“Drive carefully,” Madeleine said.

“I will.”

Trixie ended the call and hurried down the stairs. After writing a quick note letting her mother know where she was going, she hurried out to the Jeep and started toward the hospital.

I hope Jim’s all right, she thought as she drove. I wonder how he ended up there. Why didn’t the Wheelers tell me what happened? He has to be all right. He has to be.

* * * * *

Half an hour later, Trixie arrived at the hospital. She found a parking spot and hurried inside. Once inside, she caught a glimpse of Matthew Wheeler walking back into the waiting room. She hurried after him. As she stepped into the room, she saw the Wheelers were sitting on the couch, but they weren’t alone. Honey was sitting with them.

“What happened?” Trixie asked, moving toward them. “How’s Jim?”

“We haven’t heard from the doctor yet,” Matthew said.

“How did Jim end up here?” she asked, sitting down beside Honey.

“We’re not sure,” Madeleine said. “We just received the call that Jim was in an accident and he was brought here.”

“No one has said anything?”

“I’ve checked with the nurses and they said a doctor would let us know what’s going on as soon as he can,” Matthew said.

Why now? Trixie thought. Why did this have to happen so close to the wedding? Jim has to be all right. I don’t know what I would do if I lost him. We’ve come a long way in such a short time. I don’t want to lose that. I can’t lose him.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler?”

Trixie looked up as Matthew got to his feet. She saw a doctor making his way toward them. He motioned for Matthew to have a seat as he slid into a chair across from them.

“I just left your son.”

“How is Jim?” Madeleine asked quickly.

“He’s got a mild concussion and some bruises from the accident.”

“Do you know how Jim got hurt?” Honey asked.

“The officer that came in with him said some car had rammed him off the road.”

“Oh no!” Madeleine said, putting her hand to her mouth.

“Now, don’t worry,” the doctor said. “Jim’s injuries are not serious. He’ll need take it easy, but other than that, he’ll be just fine.”

“What a relief,” Honey said.

“When can we see him?” Matthew asked.

“In a few minutes.”

“When will you be releasing him?” Madeleine asked.

“His injuries do not require him to be here, so we are going to let him leave,” the doctor said. “But if he feels sick or isn’t seeing things clearly, he needs to come back immediately.”

“We’ll keep an eye on him,” Madeleine said.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes with the release papers,” the doctor said. “Would someone like to go to Jim until the nurse comes?”

“Why don’t you go to him, Trixie?” Matthew suggested.

Trixie looked at him. “Are you sure? Wouldn’t you or Mrs. Wheeler rather go to him?”

“I think Jim would like to see you when he opens his eyes,” Matthew said with a smile.

“Thank you.”

She followed the doctor down to a curtained room. He said, “Go ahead in. A nurse will come once the paperwork is done.”

“All right.”

As the doctor walked away, Trixie pushed the curtain open and stepped inside. Jim was stretched out, covered with a blanket up to his chest. She moved to the bed and saw there was a bandage on his forehead. His eyes were closed. Bruises that were starting to form only emphasized the paleness of his skin.

She took Jim’s right hand in hers as she brushed his thick red hair back from his forehead with her left hand.

Jim moved his head and slowly opened his eyes. He mumbled, “Trix.”

“I’m right here,” she said softly.

“Where am I?”

“At that hospital.” She squeezed his hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore. Tired.”

“You’re going to be all right, and that’s all that matters.”

Jim looked up at her. “How long have you been here?”

“A little while. I came as soon as your mother called.”

“How long am I going to be here?”

“Not long. The doctor said that once the paperwork is taken care of, you’ll be released.”

“Good. I can’t wait to get out of here.”

“Jim, do you remember what happened?”

Jim closed his eyes. “I was on my way home. A car came up behind my Jeep. The car hit me a couple times, and I guess I went off the road. I only remember waking here.”

“That’s all right. I’m just glad you weren’t seriously hurt.” Trixie leaned forward and gave Jim a kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

At that moment, the nurse walked in, pushing a wheelchair. “All the paperwork has been taken care of. Sir, you can be discharged.”

“Good,” Jim said. “I can’t stand hospitals.”

Trixie smiled, knowing it was true. She helped Jim sit up and get his jacket and shoes on. She offered Jim her arm as he got off the bed and settled in the wheelchair.

Jim looked at her. “Let’s go home.”

“Let’s,” Trixie agreed.

The nurse pushed Jim out to the waiting room with Trixie right beside him. As they stepped into the waiting room, the Wheelers and Honey hurried toward them. Madeleine and Honey hugged Jim before he was wheeled to the doors.

Once outside, Matthew said, “Let me get the car, and we’ll head back to the Manor House.”

“Dad, if it’s all right, I’d rather have Trixie take me back to Ten Acres. I just want to crawl into bed and rest.”

“Sure, son. We’ll call later to check on you.”

“Thanks,” Jim said.

A few minutes later, Jim was seated in the passenger seat of Trixie’s Jeep. She glanced at him after starting the engine. “Home, here we come.”

* * * * *

When they arrived at Ten Acres, Jim stretched out on the couch. Trixie covered him with an afghan and sat down on the edge of the couch with him.

Trixie took his hand in hers. Jim said softly, “You don’t have to stay.”

“I know, but I want to.”

“Trix, I can see the worry in your eyes, but there’s no need. I’m all right.” Jim squeezed her hand. “And I am glad you’re here with me.”

“So am I, but I think your parents might have preferred you going to the Manor House.”

“I don’t need to watched like a hawk. I just need some quiet to rest.”

“I should let you rest now, because we have to go to the airport in the morning to pick up Juliana, Hans and the children.”

“Oh, yeah,” Jim said, sliding himself up slightly on the couch. “I can’t wait to see Juliana. I can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years since we last saw her at her wedding.”

“I can’t wait to see her either or her children. I forgot how many she has.”

“Four. Eight-year-old Hans, six-year-old Betje, and three-year-old twins, Alexander and Curtis.”

“I can’t believe they’ve had four children.”

“It’s something she and Hans wanted. Juliana didn’t like growing up alone, and she made sure her children wouldn’t have to live that way.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

“So do I.” Jim reached over and touched her face. “But I’m not in any hurry to start our family.” Trixie smiled, knowing he recalled the conversation they had had following the bridal shower. “Trixie, I love you so much. I don’t know...”

“Shh.” Trixie put her finger on his lips. “You don’t have to say anything. I feel the same way.”

Jim caressed her cheek. He leaned forward and they kissed.

When they broke apart, Trixie said, “You know, we came here so you could rest, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I’m keeping you from resting.”

“I am resting. I’m doing better because you are here with me.”

“I guess I can see your point.”

At that moment, Jim’s phone rang. He grabbed the cordless phone and answered it. “Hello?” He looked at Trixie. “Stop these threatening phone calls. You won’t ruin our wedding.” Jim ended the call and tossed the phone on the table.

“Same person?” Trixie asked.

Jim nodded. “I have a feeling the accident was on purpose.”

“Do you remember anything else about it?”

“As I said, I was heading back from White Plains. I was almost to Sleepyside when a car rammed me. I held on as best I could. The car rammed me again, and I guess I went off the road.”

“Do you remember what the driver looked like?”

Jim shook his head. “I didn’t get the chance. I was too busy trying to control the Jeep.”

“That’s all right,” Trixie said. “All that matters is that you’ll be okay.”

Jim looked at her closely. “Are you keeping something from me?”

Trixie knew she should be honest with Jim about the phone call she received, but felt he didn’t need to worry anymore. “I’m not keeping anything from you.”

Jim reached up and caressed her cheek again. “You know, whoever is making the calls will probably keep trying to get us to call off the wedding.”

“Do you think we should call it off then?” Trixie asked hoping that wouldn’t be the case.

“No. If we do call it off, the person will have their way, and I’m not going to let our special day be ruined.”

Trixie smiled at Jim knowing that he loved her, and nothing would stop them from becoming husband and wife.

“I love you,” Trixie said softly.

“I know.” Jim grinned, before giving her a kiss. “Now, just don’t let this get to you. Anymore calls, we’ll call the Chief and let him handle it. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

“Good.” Jim tried to stifle a yawn.

“You should rest,” Trixie said. “It’s been a long day, and it’s only half over.”

“I am a little tired.” Jim covered his mouth as he yawned again.

“Then rest,” she said as Jim slid down on the couch. “I’ll wake you in a little while once dinner is ready.”

“All right,” Jim mumbled as his eyes closed. A couple minutes later, he was asleep.

* * * * *

The next morning, Trixie drove Jim to the airport in her Jeep. The Wheelers were following in the limousine. Juliana and her family were going to be staying at Ten Acres.

They arrived at the airport and realized they had some time before the flight arrived. Trixie and Jim settled in some seats as Matthew and Madeleine waited in the limousine for the plane’s arrival.

Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulder as she leaned against him. She could see his eyes wandering through the crowd. She knew he was anxious to see his only living relative, and this was going to be a reunion neither of them would forget.

“I wonder if we’ll recognize Juliana.”

“I don’t think she’s changed a lot.”

“But it has been 10 years. Anything could be different.”

“I think she’ll be the same person you met so many years ago when you helped her regain her memory.”

“You know me. Any mystery peaks my interest.”

“I do and it sure does. And your interest in mysteries gave me a family and a blood relative.”

“I was glad to help.”

“Flight 219 is now arriving at gate 12,” a voice said over the public address system.

“Come on,” Jim said, getting to his feet. “That’s their flight.”

“All right.” Trixie got up.

Jim wrapped his arm around her waist and they started toward the arrival gate. They gathered with the crowd. Jim stood behind her with his arm around her waist.

A moment later, the door opened and people started to come out. They stayed where they were, knowing Juliana would easily spot Jim’s red hair when they finally entered the waiting area.

As they waited, Trixie looked at each person, wondering if any were Juliana, but none of the people were familiar. The crowd slowly thinned out and a moment later, the door leading to the plane was closed.

Trixie looked back at Jim. She said, “Maybe they missed the flight and we missed the message.”

“Juliana would have called.”

“Maybe we got the wrong flight.”

“Something’s not right,” Jim said.

He released his hold on her waist and moved toward one of the airport employees.

What is going on? she wondered. Could we have gotten the wrong flight number or wrong airline? Maybe we are early and they’ll be coming soon. That has to be it. Juliana wouldn’t skip her only blood relatives wedding. She loves Jim too much. There has to be some reason they aren’t here yet.

“They won’t tell me anything,” Jim said, coming back to her.

“They won’t let you know if she was on the plane?”

Jim shook his head. “This is ridiculous. Juliana said this was the flight and the time they were arriving. If they had missed the flight, they would have let us know. Juliana wouldn’t play a game like this.”

“Maybe she called the Manor House and we missed the message,” Trixie suggested.

“Then the call would’ve been forwarded to Dad and Mother.” Jim looked around, then at Trixie. “This is so frustrating.”

Trixie took hold of Jim’s arm. “Come on. Let’s go see if your parents know anything.”

“Okay,” Jim said reluctantly.

As they started to walk away, they heard the door open behind them. Hoping, they turned and saw Juliana pushing the door open. Four children hurried past her, followed by a man, who was her husband, Hans.

Juliana looked up and smiled when she saw them. “JIM!”

Jim released his arm from Trixie and hurried toward his cousin. “Juliana!”

Trixie followed Jim as Juliana wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug. As he reached them, she heard Juliana say, “I have missed you so much.”

Juliana looked just like the last time Trixie had seen her except that her blond hair had grown longer. It reached the middle of her back.

“I’ve missed you, too.”

Juliana leaned back and looked him over. “You have turned into such a handsome young man.”

“Hey,” Hans said, coming toward her. “I thought I was handsome.”

“You are handsome,” she replied with a grin. “You are my handsome husband. Jim is my handsome cousin.”

“I can handle that.” Hans grinned as he put his hand out to Jim. “It’s good to see you again.”

“I agree,” Jim said, shaking hands. “We’re glad you were able to make it.”

“Trixie,” Juliana said, turning to face her. “I apologize for not greeting you sooner.”

“It’s all right,” Trixie said, giving Juliana a hug. “You were busy greeting your cousin.”

Juliana leaned back. “Let me introduce you to the family you haven’t met.” The children moved up to Juliana and Hans. “Children,” Juliana began, “I would like you to meet your Cousin Jim and his soon-to-be-wife, Trixie. Jim, Trixie, this is Betje, Hans Junior, Alexander and Curtis.”

All of the children had blond hair like their parents. The boys’ hair was cut short, while Betje’s hair hung to her shoulders, but was pulled back from her face.

Jim crouched down in front of them. “Hi. How are all of you?”

The twins turned and buried their heads into Hans’ pant legs.

“Excuse them. They’re shy when they meet new people,” Hans explained. “Give them a couple days and they’ll be talking your ears off.”

Betje grabbed Jim’s sleeve and pulled on it. “Are you really ‘lated to Mommy?”

“I sure am.”

Betje smiled.

Jim stood up and looked at Juliana and Hans. “Are you ready to get out of here?”

“Absolutely,” Juliana said. “I can’t wait to see if Sleepyside has changed.”

“Not much,” Trixie admitted.

“Let’s get your bags and get going,” Jim said. “Dad and Mother are waiting.”

As Jim led the way with Hans and the children toward the baggage claim, Juliana and Trixie fell into step together. Juliana spoke first. “Trixie, I want you to know how happy I am for you and Jim. I knew you would end up together.”

“For a while, I didn’t think it would happen. But I guess it was meant to be.”

“I knew it years ago with the way you two interacted with each other.” Juliana smiled. “I can see how happy you two are together.”

“We are happy.”

“Are you excited about the wedding?”

“Excited. Nervous. Happy. Terrified.”

Juliana laughed. “I felt the same way days before my wedding. But all those feelings went away as soon as I saw Hans. Then I knew everything would be perfect.”

“You two seem so happy together. I just hope that Jim and I are that happy.”

“You will be.”

“Are you two coming?” Hans called out.

“We’re coming,” Juliana said. She looked at Trixie. “You and I definitely need to sit down and talk before the wedding.”

“I think we can arrange that.”

“With no interruptions?” Juliana asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Would you two come on?” Jim asked with a grin. “Dad and Mother are waiting.”

“We’re coming,” Trixie said, exasperated. “Sometimes he just nags and nags and nags.”

Jim turned and she grinned at him. In return, he stuck his tongue out at her, getting laughs from the kids.

As they headed out to the limousine, Trixie felt good. She was happy for Jim that Juliana was there. She knew it meant a lot to him and was glad he had blood relatives in attendance.

* * * * *

The next morning, Trixie woke up late. She rolled onto her back and looked around. She was startled for a moment when the room looked different, but calmed down quickly realizing she was at Ten Acres, in Jim’s bedroom.

As she stretched, she thought back to the previous evening.

Trixie felt the evening had been nice that they could get together and talk. She knew Jim had also enjoyed it.

“Come in.”

The door opened and Jim poked his head around the door. “I wasn’t sure you were awake.”

“I’ve been awake for a little while. Come on in.”

Jim stepped into the room closing the door behind him. Trixie saw he had on a college T-shirt over his pajama bottoms. He made his way to the bed and sat down beside her. After giving her a kiss, Jim asked, “How did you sleep?”

“Pretty good,” Trixie said, pulling herself up slightly. “I’m sorry I took your bed last night.”

“That’s all right.”

“Where did you end up sleeping?”

“I sacked out on the couch.”

“Jim, I would’ve slept on the couch. You shouldn’t have given up your bed.”

“It’s all right. Besides, it gave me a reason to get up early and get breakfast started.”

“You made breakfast?”

“It may not be like your mom’s, but I do think I do a pretty good job.”

“Good. I’m hungry.”

“Go get cleaned up then. I’ll give you a 15-minute head start before I wake Hans and Juliana.”

“All right.” Trixie climbed out of Jim’s bed, wearing one of his shirts, which went down to her knees.

As she started to move past him, Jim reached over and pulled her close. He gave her a kiss. “I love you, Trixie Belden.”

“I love you, too.”

Before they could break apart, the phone rang.

“Whoever it is has lousy timing,” Trixie mumbled.

“I know.” Jim moved to the table and picked up the extension. “Hello?”

Trixie watched Jim’s face change to anger. “Who are you?” he yelled into the phone. “Why do you keep harassing us?”

A moment later, Jim slammed the phone down and closed his eyes. Trixie moved to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“We need to figure out who this is.”

“I wish the Chief would figure this out. I’m tired of being harassed,” Jim said.

“We need to let the Chief know about the call. He may have some ideas on how to find this person.”

Jim looked at her. “Do you have any time to do it? I have a lot to do today before we even gather for dinner.”

“I can squeeze it in.” Trixie looked at her watch. “I’d better get cleaned up then.”

“I’ll get the food on the table.”

“All right.” She put her hand on Jim’s face. “Try not to worry. The Chief will find the person and stop them.”

“I hope so.”

“We will.”

Trixie headed back into the bathroom and started to get cleaned up. She hoped the person who was harassing them would be caught.

Continue to Part 2