The Lost

Part 2

Later that afternoon, Jim and Trixie were making their way through the preserve. They had stopped at all the places they had had fun at before Trixie’s disappearance. They were now making their way back to Crabapple Farm with one stop left to make.

Jim reached up over the windowsill and grabbed the key that was hidden there. He unlocked the door and pushed it open. Trixie stepped through the doorway of the gatehouse as Jim turned the lights on.

He leaned against the doorframe watching as she roamed about the gatehouse. He knew she was taking in everything that was around her. He could tell she was looking at the stuff that had been there when she had left and the new items.

After a few minutes, Trixie sat down at the table and looked at him.

“It feels as if I’ve been gone a whole lot longer,” Trixie said.

“I think we all feel that way.” Jim moved over to the table and sat down beside her. “But we are all together again.”

“Not all of us,” Trixie said wistfully. “Brian is at school, and Honey is in the city.”

“You know they would be here if they could.”

“I know. It just doesn’t feel right with them missing.”

“Now you know how we were feeling.”

“Jim, I know I’ve said this before, but I have to thank you for what you did. If it wasn’t for you, who knows what would have happened.”

“I know you would’ve found a way to get back to us when you could,” Jim said. “Your tenacity to get things done is what makes you the Trixie we know and love.”

Jim could see the tears welling up in her eyes. She smiled. “Thanks, Jim.”

He returned the smile. “You’re welcome.”

The door to the gatehouse opened. They turned to see Mart standing there. He entered the room as he said, “Moms told me you were up this way.”

“Yeah, we just finished a walk in the preserve,” Jim explained. “We were on our way back to the farm.”

“Does Moms need us for something?” Trixie asked quickly.

“Nah,” Mart said. “She just wanted to make sure you two knew that dinner would be ready soon.”

“We should probably get down there,” Trixie said as she got to her feet. “There’s probably a lot to be done.”

“Actually, everything is pretty much set,” Mart said. “Dad is working at the grill as we speak.”

“Then we should get going,” Jim said.

The three of them exited the gatehouse with Jim locking the door behind him. They began the trek down the patch to Crabapple Farm with Jim and Mart flanking Trixie.

“This feels right,” Mart said.

“What does?” Jim asked.

“This,” Mart said. “Us together taking the walk back down to the farm. Even though so much time has passed, it feels like it was just yesterday that we did this.”

“It does feel right,” Jim agreed.

As they stepped into the driveway, a limousine turned in and approached the house. Jim inwardly groaned, knowing who was inside. Once the limousine stopped, the back door opened and out stepped his sister.

“Honey!” Mart yelled and hurried toward her, giving her a hug.

“Oh, I’ve missed you,” Honey said.

Jim watched his sister release her hold on Mart before moving over toward them. She pulled him into a hug and whispered, “I’m with you all the way.”

Jim caught her eyes as he leaned back and winked at her. Honey then turned to Trixie and hugged her as well. He saw Trixie hold Honey tightly and knew having his sister there was what Trixie needed.

The car door slamming got Jim’s attention. He turned to see his adopted parents standing by the limousine, and they didn’t look happy. With a quick glance to see that Trixie was all right, he approached his parents, hoping to limit the fighting that was bound to follow. He didn’t want Trixie to hear whatever his parents had to say.

“Mother, Dad, I know you’re angry, but I really don’t want to have this disagreement now,” Jim said. “There are more important things than me not coming back home.”

“You’re right,” Matthew said. “You specifically ignored what we said.”

“We are your parents and what we say is how things are to go,” Madeleine said.

Jim took a breath trying to control his temper. He knew he had disobeyed what his parents said, but he also knew he was an adult who could make his own decisions.

“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler,” Trixie said, moving over to them.

“It’s good to see you again, too,” Madeleine said, with forced kindness.

“Mother,” Honey said, moving over to them. “The Beldens have invited all the Bob-Whites to spend the weekend, and I was hoping I could join them.”

Jim noticed the look of aggravation cross his parents’ faces and figured that the invitation was poorly timed.

“Honey, I know you’d like to, but we have to be back in the city tonight,” Madeleine said. “If it was another weekend, I wouldn’t see a problem.”

Jim decided to speak up, knowing he was already in trouble and that it couldn’t get any worse. “Well, I can bring Honey back on Sunday.”

Matthew looked at them. “Jim…”

“I understand,” Trixie interrupted. “Moms and Dad thought it would be nice to have all the Bob-Whites here. You don’t need to change your plans. This was a spur of the moment idea, and I understand.” Trixie looked at Honey. “Maybe you can give me a call sometime this week, and we can meet up?”

“All right,” Honey said slowly. “And I can give you my number in case you need someone to talk to.”

Trixie smiled. “I’d appreciate it. I think there’s some paper inside.”

“Okay.”

As Honey and Trixie headed for the house, Jim turned back to his parents. Matthew said, “We’ll have your car brought into the city tomorrow. As soon as Honey is ready, we’ll get going.”

“I’m sorry, Dad, but I’m not going back to the city with you.”

“Excuse me?” Matthew asked.

“Jim, don’t be so stubborn,” Madeleine sighed. “You’ve done what you wanted. You brought Trixie home to her family. There’s nothing else you can do.”

“Your mother is right,” Matthew said. “Now, come on. We need to get back to the city.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not going.”

“Jim,” Matthew said warningly.

“Matt, Maddie, it’s so good to see you,” a female voice said.

They all turned to see Helen Belden coming toward them. She was followed by Trixie and Honey.

“It’s good to see you as well,” Madeleine said. “I think it’s wonderful that Trixie has been found. You must be ecstatic.”

“We all are,” Helen said as she wrapped an arm around Trixie’s shoulder.  “With her home, we’re a family once again.”

“That is wonderful,” Matthew agreed.

“We are getting ready to have a celebration,” Helen said. “You both are more than welcome to join us.”

“Actually, we need to be going,” Madeleine said. “We are on our way to dinner at an associate’s of Matthew’s. We only stopped to let Jim know our destination since he wasn’t answering his phone.”

“Well, maybe we can get together in the next week or so?” Helen suggested. “It’s been so long since we’ve all gotten together.”

“I think we can arrange something,” Madeleine said.

“We need to get going,” Matthew said.

“Uh, Honey,” Madeleine began, “if you would like to spend the weekend here with the others, that’s fine with us.”

“Really?” Honey asked, surprised.

Jim looked at his parents, also surprised. He never thought they would change their minds.

“Really,” Madeleine said. She leaned over and gave Honey a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll see you on Sunday.”

“Thanks, Mother.”

“And don’t worry,” Helen said. “Peter and I will be here the whole time.”

“All right,” Matthew said. He looked directly at Jim. “We’ll see you Sunday.”

After saying goodbye, Madeleine and Matthew climbed back into the limousine and left.

“Let the party begin!” Mart yelled.

“And dinner should be ready,” Helen said. “Let’s go eat.”

Jim fell in step beside Trixie who had Honey on her other side. He was glad Honey was able to stay. He hoped this would help Trixie.

Entering the house, they saw Dan and Di had Bobby putting food on the table.

“We’re all set,” Peter said. “Everyone can take a seat, and we can eat.”

Once everyone was seated, dishes began to be passed around. They had just started eating when they heard a vehicle pull into the driveway.

“I wonder who that could be?” Mart asked.

“Trixie, why don’t you go see who it is?” Peter suggested.

As Trixie got to her feet, Jim looked at Peter and saw a twinkle in his eyes.

Suddenly, Trixie yelled, “BRIAN!”

They heard the door slam shut and hurried to see what was happening. They stopped at the window and saw Brian had Trixie in his arms, up off the ground, and was holding her tightly. From where they were standing, it seemed as if one, or both of them, were crying by the shaking of their bodies. No one wanted to interrupt the moment.

When Brian set Trixie down and took her face in his hands, the others left the house and approached them.

They heard Brian ask, “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I’m fine now,” she answered. “I just can’t believe you’re here.”

“What are you doing here?” Honey asked.

“Well, after I talked to Trixie this morning, I knew I had to see her for myself to be absolutely sure she was all right,” Brian said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “So, I talked to my instructors and then my boss at the hospital, explaining what was going on, and then I hit the road.”

“It’s good to have you home,” Helen said.

“It’s good to have all of you home,” Peter said.

“I think we can all agree on that,” Dan said.

“And now we can really celebrate since all of the Bob-Whites are together again,” Mart said.

“Absolutely,” they all agreed.

* * * * *

Later that evening, the seven Bob-Whites gathered in the living room at Crabapple Farm. They were all talking about what they had done and the activities they should do now that they were together once again.

As everyone talked, Jim kept a close eye on Trixie, who was being unusually quiet. She seemed to be taking in what everyone was saying, but she seemed uncomfortable. Jim knew everyone wanted to know what she had been through, but they didn’t want to pressure her into telling her story until she was ready.

“And then there was graduation,” Brian said. “The ceremony was okay, but it just wasn’t right.”

“Believe me, I know the feeling,” Jim said. “I hated having to switch schools with two months to go and then graduating there.”

“I think you were missed here in Sleepyside too,” Di said.

“Do you all want to know what happened?” Trixie asked quietly.

Six pairs of eyes looked at her as silence settled on the room.

“Trixie, if you’re not up to telling us, you don’t have to,” Jim said. “You can tell us when you feel like it.”

“No, I need to do this.”

“Do you want me to get Moms and Dad?”

“No,” Trixie said, looking at her brother. “I…I want to tell you all first. Then I’ll tell Moms and Dad.”

“Okay.”

The others gathered around Trixie and waited for her to begin her story. Jim reached over, took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.

Trixie took a breath. “It was late, and we all had gone to bed. I was woken by a strong hand covering my mouth. A knife was placed right in my line of sight. I didn’t know what time it was. The man who held me said he would kill me if I made a sound. He said he would also kill my family.”

Jim squeezed her hand, knowing this was going to be hard for her.

“He ordered me out of my bed. He grabbed my arm and twisted it up behind my back. He forced me out of the house and to a car waiting down Glen Road. He tied my hands behind my back as he pushed me against the car. He put a gag in my mouth, then shoved me into the back seat of the car.”

“Oh, Trixie,” Honey said softly.

“I must have hit my head because I don’t remember the car ride. I woke up and saw we were at a cabin. I had no idea where I was.” She looked down at the floor. “I…I noticed I was alone in the room. I saw there was a window and figured that was my only way to escape. I started toward the window, but was pulled back. A collar had been put around my neck and secured with a metal cord to the wall.

Jim closed his eyes having a hard time trying to keep the image out of his head of the torture Trixie had been put through.

“Trixie,” Mart said softly.

“Let me finish.”

“Okay,” Mart said.

Jim squeezed Trixie’s hand again, hoping he could give her the strength to go on.

She took a deep breath. “I was in that cabin for several days. I tried getting the collar off, but I couldn’t. Every day, I was given a bottle of water and some food. But he never talked to me in that time. I’m not sure how many days passed when he came in with a change of clothes for me, a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt. Then one day, he came in the room in a rush, flinging the door open. He said we were leaving, and if I caused any trouble, he would kill me.”

Tears began streaming down Trixie’s cheeks, and Jim pulled her close offering her some comfort. He was shocked and angry that she had been treated that way.

“There was nothing I could do,” Trixie continued tearfully. “I didn’t want to die, but I also didn’t want anyone else getting hurt.”

“You did the right thing to survive,” Brian said. “And that’s what matters.”

“But I feel so bad that I made all of you worry for so long. I wanted to get back to you so much, but I couldn’t.”

“You’re here now, and that’s what we care about,” Mart said, moving over to Trixie’s other side. He leaned over and kissed her head, displaying outwardly his affection for his sister that he usually hid with teasing.

“Trixie, you don’t have to go on if you don’t want to,” Dan said.

“I need to get this out,” Trixie said. “The officers suggested I talk to a therapist so I don’t keep this bottled up, but I don’t think I could talk to a stranger.”

“We understand,” Honey said softly, putting a hand on Trixie’s knee to let her know she was there for her best friend.

“All right.” Trixie took a couple deep breaths and continued with her story. “We moved around an awful lot, not staying at any one place for more than a week. We had gone into towns on numerous occasions, and he continued to threaten me that he would kill me if I misbehaved.”

“Where did you go?” Di asked.

“We went all over the place. We went up to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, the other end of New York, into Pennsylvania, and then we came to the city.”

“And that’s where Jim found you,” Honey said.

“Yeah,” Trixie said. “That was our second day there. He had wanted to get out in the fresh air, so we went to the park. We were sitting there eating and shortly thereafter, we were surrounded by police.” She looked at Jim. “And Jim was there.”

Jim smiled at her.

“What did you do the whole time you were gone?” Dan asked.

“We spend a lot of time camping. He kept a close eye on me wherever we went to make sure I didn’t try to escape. He never did anything to hurt me.”

“Did he ever say why he took you?” Brian asked.

Jim felt Trixie shudder and instinctively knew he wasn’t going to like the answer.

“He said he took me for revenge,” Trixie answered quietly.

“He didn’t seem like someone I knew,” Jim said.

“He wasn’t getting revenge for himself. It was for his son.”

“His son?” Brian asked.

Trixie nodded her head.

“Who was his son?” Di asked.

“Tilney Britten.”

“No,” Di gasped. “It couldn’t be.”

“Who is Tilney Britten?” Dan asked.

“He was the one who impersonated my Uncle Monty,” Mart explained. “He caught Trixie when he attempted to leave the Lynch Estate. She and I ended up in the trailer, and he was only caught when we got Spider’s attention as we traveled through Sleepyside.”

“But why would his father take Trixie?” Dan asked. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“It does if his son dies on the way to prison because of me,” Trixie said. “Roger Britten wanted to get even.”

“His son died?” Jim asked.

Trixie nodded. “From what I was told, Tilney was on his way to prison, but there was an accident. A drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines and hit the transport vehicle head on. Tilney and the officers on board were killed instantly.”

“So, his father came after you to hurt you and the rest of us because he had been hurt,” Mart concluded.

“It seems that way,” Trixie said.

“But you’re sure he never hurt you, Trix?” Brian asked.

“He didn’t physically hurt me,” Trixie admitted.

“But he did play mind games with you,” Brian stated.

Trixie lowered her head.

“That doesn’t matter now,” Jim said, seeing Brian was getting angry with the situation, and knew Trixie could easily misinterpret his concern for anger. “We are all together, and Trixie is home. She isn’t any the worse for wear. If she needs us, we’re here, and she just has to ask for us to be there for her. We need to be her strength.”

“And give her our unconditional love,” Honey added.

“And listen when she needs to talk,” Dan said.

“And offer a shoulder to cry on if its needed,” Di said.

“And just be here no matter what,” Mart said.

“And reiterate that she isn’t alone,” Brian finished.

Trixie lifted her head and smiled at her fellow Bob-Whites.

“You know, it’s getting late,” Brian said. “We’ve all had a long day and I think we could all use some sleep.”

“I’m not tired,” Mart said.

“Well, we could all just get ready for bed and then go to sleep when we get tired,” Brian suggested.

“That’s a good idea,” Jim said.

“Why don’t you girls get ready first while we clean some of this up so we don’t leave a mess for Mrs. Belden?” Dan suggested.

“Sounds good,” Di said.

As Honey and Di went to get cleaned up, Mart, Brian and Dan gathered the glasses and the empty snack bags and went into the kitchen.

Once they were alone, Jim looked at Trixie as she pulled her knees up to her chest. He could see she was slightly relieved to have told the others what had happened, but he could still see the apprehension in her eyes.

He moved closer to her. “Trix, tell me what’s wrong.”

“There’s nothing wrong.”

“Trix,” Jim said softly, “come on, you can level with me.”

She looked at him. He could see her reluctance and knew there was more that she hadn’t told them. Instead of pressuring her, he said, “Okay, Trix. I believe you.” He put his hand on her knee. “Just remember, if you need to talk to someone, I’m here.”

Trixie gave him a small smile. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So,” Trixie began, “the others have been talking non-stop since coming in here, but you’ve been awfully quiet.”

“I’m just taking all this in,” Jim admitted. “I have to admit I’ve missed having the entire gang together since we moved to the city. I’ve missed everything that goes on and all of us being together, hanging out and having fun.”

“Believe me, I missed that too.” She released her hold on her knees and sat Indian style. “And surprisingly enough, there were so many times when I wished to hear Mart teasing me.”

“Well, I don’t think it will be too long until he starts that again,” Jim said. “I think Mart missed you too. When we were searching, he didn’t want to stop. He was willing to keep going all night long.”

“I really missed him too.”

At that moment, Honey and Di returned to the room and settled down beside Trixie. As they started talking about Trixie’s hair, Jim excused himself and went into the kitchen, not surprised to find Brian leaning back against the counter by the sink. Mart and Dan were nowhere to be seen.

Jim leaned against the counter and looked at his best friend. “What are you thinking, Brian?”

“Trixie is going to have some serious psychological problems because of this.”

“You think so?”

Brian nodded his head. “This has really affected her, and its going to take time for her to readjust.”

“Do you think she’ll be all right?”

“I think, in the long run, she’ll be fine. But getting there will be the challenge.”

Three voices of laughter could be heard coming from the living room. Jim said with a smile, “I think she’s already starting the process.”

Brian looked at him and smiled. “I think you’re right.”

“And as long as we give her our love and support, she will get through this,” Jim said.

“Absolutely.”

Honey stepped into the kitchen at that moment and looked at the both of them. “Are you two going to join us?”

“We’re coming,” Jim said.

Once Honey was gone, Brian said, “Honey looks a whole lot happier than she did when you left.”

“She’s only happy because she’s here in Sleepyside,” Jim explained. “She hates living in the city and almost daily tells Mother that.”

“But she won’t budge?” Brian asked.

“Not an inch.”

“Have you tried to convince them?”

“Mother won’t listen. She says we’re staying in the city, and that’s that.”

“But at least the Manor House is still yours,” Brian said. “You can come back here anytime you want.”

“I know, but whenever I want to come back, Mother has something already planned that I just ‘have to attend’.”

“What about when you finish school?”

“Well, I still want my boys’ school, and, with the plans I have in mind, it can’t be in the city. More than likely, I’ll be coming back here to Sleepyside.”

“We’ll be glad to have you back.”

Laughter erupted from the living room again, and Jim said, “We better get back in there and corral the laughter before we wake your parents.”

“You’re right, but I don’t think Moms and Dad would care today as long as they are hearing Trixie’s voice.”

“You’re probably right.”

Jim watched Brian move to the kitchen door and make sure it was locked. Then he and Brian returned to the living room to join in on the fun.

* * * * *

Jim moved his head trying to get comfortable again to fall back asleep. He couldn’t understand why he woke, but was anxious to sleep once again. Opening his eyes, Jim could just make out Honey and Di’s sleeping forms in the darkness. Lifting his head, he saw Dan, Mart and Brian were also sleeping soundly. He then realized someone was missing.

Sitting up, Jim glanced around the living room and was now certain Trixie wasn’t there. He quickly got to his feet and hurried into the kitchen, searching for her. Jim slid to a stop.

Trixie was seated on one of the kitchen chair in the one corner. She had her knees pulled up to her chest once again.

“Trixie?” Jim asked quietly.

There was no response. Moving over to the table, Jim slid into the chair beside her. “Trixie, look at me.”

She slowly turned her head to look at him. He could see the terror in her eyes, but couldn’t understand what had her scared. “Come on, Trix. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I couldn’t sleep,” Trixie said softly.

“Did you have a bad dream?”

“I…I just couldn’t sleep.”

“You do seem tired,” Jim stated.

“I’m all right.”

“I’ve got an idea. Let’s go in the other room and just sit. You might get tired and be able to fall asleep.”

Trixie was quiet for a moment and then said, “All right.”

The two of them returned to the living room and sat down in front of the couch, leaning up against it. Jim grabbed one of the blankets they had been using and covered Trixie’s legs with it. As he did so, he noticed Trixie was trembling slightly. He knew something was troubling her.

In an attempt to get her to talk, Jim decided to tell her about his plans. Before he could say anything, Trixie leaned against him. He knew at that moment, his actions would mean a whole lot more than words.

He slid his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. “Why don’t you close your eyes and try to rest? Tomorrow will probably be as long as today was.”

“I’m just not tired.”

“Even if you don’t fall asleep, you can at least try and relax.”

There was silence for a few minutes before Trixie spoke. “Thank you, Jim.”

“You’re welcome.”

As they sat there, Jim could feel Trixie shudder every once in a while. The shudders seemed to diminish, and within a short while, Trixie was asleep.

Jim continued holding Trixie in his arms. He couldn’t understand what had happened. The Trixie he remembered was strong and rarely got scared. He understood Trixie had been through a lot, but wondered if Trixie would ever be the same as she was before. He could understand she had been through something traumatic, but wondered if she would ever truly get through it.

A soft voice calling out made Jim open his eyes. He recognized the voice as Trixie’s and shifted his gaze to her. She was shaking her head and mumbling softly.

“No, please no. Not there. Don’t leave me in there,” she mumbled, moving her head.

“Trixie, it’s okay,” Jim whispered softly in her ear. “You’re safe, and nothing will happen to you.”

“Don’t lock me in there,” Trixie mumbled. “Please don’t.”

“Trixie, wake up,” Jim said a little louder. “You’re dreaming.”

She woke with a start, breathing hard. She looked at him, and he saw the terror in her eyes. He pulled her close, hoping to offer some comfort.

“What’s going on?” Trixie asked, confused.

“You were having a nightmare,” Jim said. “But you’re all right. The Bob-Whites are together and nothing is going to happen to you.”

Feeling Trixie shudder in his embrace once again, he had the suspicious feeling something else happened to her that she hadn’t told them about.

“Trixie, how about some hot chocolate?” Jim suggested. “It may make you feel a little better.” He also knew that if they started talking, they wouldn’t wake the others.

“All right.”

They got to their feet, and Jim grabbed one of the blankets they had been using. He draped it over her shoulders, and they made their way into the kitchen.

As Trixie settled at the table, Jim gathered the ingredients to make the hot chocolate, grateful that he had been there enough times to know where everything was. While he got everything ready, he noticed Trixie wasn’t trembling as much as before. Once the hot chocolate was ready, he poured it into two mugs and then handed one of the mugs to Trixie.

“Thanks,” Trixie said, taking a sip.

“You’re welcome,” Jim said, sliding into a chair beside her. He took a sip himself. “Are you feeling better?”

“I am, and I’m sorry that I woke you.”

“It’s okay.” He set his mug on the table. “Do you want to talk to me?”

Trixie lowered her gaze to the table. “There is just so much going on,” Trixie said. “Things are moving so fast that I don’t feel as if I can take a breath.”

“If you are feeling overwhelmed with all that’s going on, just say something. We don’t want you to be stressed out. We know you need to adjust to life and will do anything to help you.”

“I just feel as if I’m being bombarded from all different directions. Everyone wants to know everything that has gone on with me and I just don’t know what to do.”

“If people want to know what you went through, but you don’t want to tell them, just be honest with them. People will understand.” Jim reached over and took her hand in his. “And if they can’t accept that, then they don’t need to know.”

Trixie gave Jim a small smile. “Thanks.”

Jim returned the grin. “You’re welcome.”

They sat in silence for a couple minutes, drinking their hot chocolate. Jim watched Trixie set her mug down and then look at him.

“There was one place I was taken to,” Trixie began softly, fingering her mug. “It really scared me. I’m not sure where I was, but we were at a small cabin. Something spooked Mr. Britten, and he forced me into the small cupboard that was under the sink. There was very little room for me, and I was squished in. I begged him not to put me in there. I told him I would do whatever he wanted. But he wouldn’t listen.”

Jim noticed a single tear roll down her cheek. He reached over and brushed the tear away.

“I have never been as scared as I was right then. I was terrified I would be stuck in there forever.” Trixie took a shaky breath to calm down. “I had heard him put a lock on the cabinet and was frightened. I felt as if there were bugs crawling all over me and as if the walls were closing in on me. I couldn’t get out of there. I just couldn’t.”

“That nightmare is now over,” Jim said soothingly. “You’re back with all of us, and I can guarantee that each one of us will do all that we can to make sure you don’t have to go through that ever again.”

“I just never want to have to see him again,” Trixie admitted.

“Hopefully, you won’t have to.” Jim leaned over and gave her a hug, hoping she felt reassured.

When she leaned back, Trixie said, “Thank you.”

“I’m glad to help.”

Trixie yawned and covered her mouth. “Sorry.”

“It’s all right.” Jim looked at his watch. “Since we still have several hours until sunrise, why don’t we try to get some more sleep? You’re tired, and I think we could both use some more.”

Trixie yawned again. “I think that’s a good idea.”

“Then let’s go.”

Jim grabbed the two mugs, rinsed them out and then placed them in the sink before following Trixie into the living room. They settled themselves on the blankets so they were side by side, facing each other.

“Jim, thanks for listening.”

“As I’ve said before, if you need to talk, all you have to do is give me a call.”

“I just may take you up on that,” Trixie said, her eyes beginning to droop.

“Anytime, Trix. Anytime.”

Jim watched as Trixie’s eyes closed and within moments, she was breathing deeply. He hoped Trixie would be able to rest without any more nightmares. He closed his eyes ready to get some sleep himself.

* * * * *

The next morning, the Bob-Whites woke to the smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. They quickly cleaned up their sleeping gear before heading to the table.

Just as they sat down, Jim’s cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and then looked at Trixie before answering.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Frayne?”

“This is Mr. Frayne.”

“Mr. Frayne, this is Detective Matthews. I was wondering if Miss Belden is there?”

“She is,” Jim said, locking onto Trixie’s gaze. “Do you need to speak with her?”

“If I could, please.”

“One moment.” Jim lowered the phone and covered the mouthpiece. “Trixie, it’s Detective Matthews.”

Trixie reached over and took the phone from Jim. Everyone went quiet, wondering what was going on since all they heard was “uh-huh.”

After a couple minutes, Trixie handed the phone back to Jim. “Thanks.”

“What did the detective want?” Peter asked.

Trixie looked down at the table. “I have to go back to the city. They have a few more questions for me.”

“How soon do they need you there?” Helen asked.

“As soon as I can.” Trixie got to her feet. “I’m going to go get ready.”

Trixie left the room, and Jim looked at her parents. Peter said, “I’d better get ready so I can take her.”

“Dad, I think all of us want to go so we can support her,” Brian said.

Peter was quiet for a moment. “Well, if we’re all going, we better get a move on.”

A short while later, the seven Bob-Whites exited the house with Peter and Helen. Bobby had gone to the Lynches to play while they were gone.

* * * * *

On the drive into the city, Trixie was quieter than before. Jim kept glancing at her. Trixie’s face seemed to get paler the closer they got to the city line. He couldn’t understand what was bothering her. He also noticed her hands were clenched so tight they were white. Brian and Honey had ridden with his parents. Jim assumed Brian was filling his parents in on what Trixie had gone through during her absence.

When they finally arrived at the precinct, they found two spots near the entrance. Getting out of the cars, they gathered around Trixie, surrounding her like a blanket. They waited for her to take the first step and then followed her inside.

Trixie led the way inside the building. She motioned for the others to wait while she went over to the front desk.

Jim watched her go and saw her first step was hesitant, but she continued to the desk He was as curious as the others as to why Detective Matthews needed to talk to her. A moment later, she turned around and moved back to them, standing beside Jim.

He instinctively put his arm around her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. He asked, “Is Detective Matthews on his way down?”

“Yeah.”

“Did he say why he wanted to see you?” Peter asked.

“Not really,” Trixie replied. “Just that he had some more questions for me.”

A few minutes later, Detective Matthews entered the lobby and quickly moved over to them.

“Miss Belden, thank you for coming to the precinct,” he said.

“It’s no problem,” she said.

“Mr. Frayne,” the detective said, reaching out and shaking his hand.

“Detective Matthews,” Jim said. “I would like to introduce to Mr. and Mrs. Belden, Trixie’s parents.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Detective Matthews said.

“And you,” Peter said. “Was there was a reason you needed Trixie to come down here?”

“I have a few more questions for her, and I’d like to get them out of the way.” He looked at Trixie. “Would you follow me, please?”

“Okay.”

“We’d like to come along since Trixie is a minor,” Peter said.

“That’s fine,” Detective Matthews said.

Jim looked at Trixie and saw she was staring at him. He said, “We’ll be waiting here for you.”

“Okay.”

Jim watched as Peter wrapped his arm around Trixie’s shoulder as they followed the detective down the hall.

Once they were out of sight, Jim turned to the others. Brian said, “I wish we were going with her.”

“She knows we’re here,” Jim said. “And that should ease her mind.”

“How long was she questioned the other day?” Mart asked.

“Several hours,” Jim admitted. “I figured they wanted to get all the information right away so they could charge Britten.”

“So, we just wait then?” Honey asked.

“That’s what we need to do,” Mart said. “There’s nothing else we can do.”

As Honey, Di and Mart seated themselves on one of the benches, and Dan leaned against the wall beside them, Jim moved over to one of the windows and gazed out into the street. Part of him wondered if something had gone wrong, and Britten had been released or even escaped.

But if those were the cases, then Detective Matthews would have told us on the phone, he thought. He would have put us on guard instead of letting us continue on unknowingly. Maybe Detective Matthews does have more questions for Trixie. He probably needs more clarification about something she had said happened. So, I shouldn’t worry. She’s in there with her parents, and they won’t allow anything to happen to her. But I’m still going to. She’s been through so much in these past several months that she shouldn’t have to go through anymore. But I guess these steps need to be taken to make sure Britten gets what he deserves. No one should take someone from her home unwillingly.

“What are you thinking?” a voice asked from behind, startling him.

He turned around quickly to see Brian standing there. “Jeez, you scared me.”

“Sorry,” Brian said. “You just seemed to be so intent on staring out the window. You seemed like you were miles away.”

“I was just trying to go through what I had told the detectives when I gave my statement the other day,” Jim explained. “I just want to make sure nothing was left out.”

“You probably got everything,” Brian said. “You mind is like a steel trap.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t hurt to go over everything.”

“True.”

Jim looked at the others and saw they were talking quietly. He looked back at Brian. “I hope he gets a long time in prison for what he did to Trixie.”

“You and me both,” Brian said. “And now, Trixie is going to have to readjust to life in Sleepyside. She’s going to be heading back to school and making up all that she missed.”

“Do you think she’ll be held back a grade because of what she missed?”

“I hope not,” Brian said. “I mean, this is going to be tough enough without making her have to join a class where she doesn’t know anyone. I think that would cause her more harm.”

“I don’t think your parents have even thought that far ahead,” Jim said.

“I don’t think they have. I think they only care that she’s home. But it will be something they will have to think about.”

As Jim’s gaze returned to the front desk, he saw the door that lead to the hallway of the offices and conference rooms had been left open. He could see officers roaming back and forth from the rooms. He wondered which room Trixie was in and what was going on.

Suddenly, a man stepped into the hallway with his hands cuffed in front of him with an officer by his side. Jim realized it was Britten. Their eyes locked, and a look of hatred crossed Britten’s face.

Before the officer could react, Britten pushed him away and charged down the hallway. Britten entered the lobby and moved toward Jim, slamming him into the wall. Jim saw stars from the contact, but instinctively reached up when he felt Britten’s hands on his throat, squeezing his neck.

“Let him go!” Brian yelled.

Jim focused on Britten’s angry face. He tried to break Britten’s grasp, but he was not strong enough. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the officers moving toward Britten, but it didn’t appear they were moving fast enough. He tried to get a breath, but couldn’t. Britten’s strong grasp had cut off oxygen to his lungs.

“I should have killed her when I had the chance,” Britten sneered, his face red with anger. “But since I didn’t, I will take care of you.”

Jim’s vision blurred from the lack of oxygen. His head was throbbing. His eyes slid shut. The voices yelling around him began to fade to nothing. His body went limp.

* * * * *

A cool cloth was something Jim became aware of as he regained consciousness. He also felt a steady stream of oxygen on his face. Muffled voices began to clear. He heard crying and wondered why. He was also drawing a blank as to where he was.

Feeling the need to know, Jim struggled to open his eyes. It took a moment, but he could finally see the white ceiling.

“He’s awake,” a voice said.

Jim saw a face moving into his line of vision and realized it was Brian. He was about to say something, but Brian shook his head. “Don’t try to talk. Just relax. Everything will be all right.”

Jim took a breath and decided to listen for a moment. He swallowed a couple times to get saliva in his mouth so he could talk. But when he did, he grimaced in pain. His throat hurt.

Reaching up to his face, Jim pulled the oxygen mask off. He propped his elbows on the floor and sat up slightly. He was immediately smothered in hugs. He knew it was Trixie and Honey.

“I’m okay,” he whispered. “I’m okay.”

“Oh, Jim,” Honey cried. “He almost killed you.”

“But he didn’t,” Jim said.

Honey finally leaned back, and Jim offered her a smile. He then looked at Trixie, who couldn’t stop crying. He sat up fully and hugged her tighlyt. He stroked her hair and kept murmuring, “It’s all right.”

Her sobs continued, but seemed to subside a little. Jim released his tight hold on her and kissed her forehead before looking her in the eye. He saw the tears were streaming down her cheeks and noticed the fear in her eyes.

“I’m all right,” Jim repeated.

“Oh, Jim.”

Jim pulled her close once again, holding her tightly. He could feel her trembling and wished there was more he could do to convince her he was really all right.

“How are you doing, Mr. Frayne?”

He watched at Detective Matthews crouched down beside him. “I’m doing okay.” Jim looked around and realized something was missing. He locked eyes with the detective. “Where is he?”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Frayne. He has been returned to his cell,” Detective Matthews said. “Do you think you can get up?”

“Yeah.”

Jim released his hold on Trixie. He put his hands on the floor and pushed himself to his feet. He felt Detective Matthews and Brian take hold of his arms to help him up. Brian kept a hold on his arm until he got his balance.

Trixie stepped back over to him and wrapped her arm around his waist. He put his arm around her shoulder. He saw the other Bob-Whites, as well as Helen and Peter, were standing close by. There were also a couple paramedics who were packing up their equipment.

“Are we done here?” Jim asked.

“Actually, I’d like to get a statement about what happened so that we can add these charges onto the ones we already have,” Detective Matthews said.

“Do you really need to?” Jim asked. “I just want this to be over. I think we all do.”

“If we have your statement, we can add more charges to the case,” Detective Matthews explained. “With the additional charges, there’s a better chance he will spend more time in jail.”

Jim sighed. He so wanted to get out of there, but knew the detective was right. “All right.” He looked at Trixie. “I will get this taken care of, and then we can get out of here. Okay?”

Trixie nodded. “Okay.”

He kissed her forehead once again before turning to the detective. “Let’s get this over with.”

“This way.”

* * * * *

Two hours later, Jim exited the office and returned to the others. He was exhausted. His statement shouldn’t have taken so long, but Detective Matthews kept going back and clarifying points. Now that it was over, he wanted to go and get some sleep, but knew he had to make sure Trixie was all right first.

Stepping into the lobby, he saw Trixie was sitting on a bench between her parents, staring at the floor. As he approached, he saw Trixie look up, jump to her feet and hurry over to him.

“Sorry it took so long,” Jim said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “He kept asking more and more questions.”

“Can we get out of here now?” Trixie asked.

“Absolutely,” Jim said. “We’ve spent more than enough time here today.”

“Then let’s go,” Peter said.

Once outside, Jim took a breath of fresh air. He felt the throbbing in his head subside a bit.

“So, what’s the next step?” Dan asked.

“Let’s head for home,” Peter said. “It’s been a busy day, and I think we all are looking forward to getting out of this place.”

“I second that idea,” Brian said.

“Me too,” Trixie said. “I want to go home.”

As Peter and Helen headed to the sedan, Brian said, “It looks like everything is back to normal.”

“It sure does,” Mart said.

“The Bob-Whites are whole once again,” Dan said.

“And the one responsible for the heartache we’ve all felt for the last several months will be in jail for a long time,” Jim said.

“And he won’t be able to hurt Trixie ever again,” Honey stated.

“And that’s all that matters,” Di said.

Jim saw the old Trixie smile on her face and knew that things were going to be all right. There would be some changes they all would have to face, but they had one another to support them as they faced the future.

“Guys, I really appreciate everything you’ve all done for me in the past couple days,” Trixie said. “I know I will be okay, because I have all of you.”

“You’ll always have us,” Honey said.

“Forever,” Di added.

The boys nodded in agreement. Jim spoke up first. “Come on, gang. Let’s get Trixie home.”

“Let’s go,” Brian said.

Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulder and realized Trixie wasn’t as tense as she had been earlier. She felt secure, and Jim knew that she was beginning to feel at home once again.

-The End-

Author’s Notes: My thanks go to Susansuth, Amy and Kaye KL for their assistance in editing this story which is a submission for my second anniversary as a Jix Author. I am pleased to be a member of this wonderful group that takes pride in keeping Trixie alive for all who enjoyed the series.

This is an unauthorized fan fiction site and is not affiliated with Random House in any way. No profit is being made from these pages