Part 2
Chapter 7
Trixie hurried around to the drivers side and looked in. The car was empty. She grabbed the door and pulled it open. She quickly looked for something that would tell her where her brother was. Looking at the steering wheel, she saw the keys were still in the ignition. As she pulled the keys out, she took a closer look at the steering wheel. Blood.
Backing out of the car, she looked around trying to figure out what happened. She stepped onto the road looking for tire tracks that could give her a clue as to what happened. She saw black marks that led to where the car was now parked. There were no others.
Trixie had a bad feeling and knew she needed to call someone. But her partner was not happy with her. She had only one choice.
* * * * *
Trixie continued looking around for some sign of her brother. She knew Brian wouldn’t leave the car behind with the keys in the ignition. He was more responsible. She heard an engine coming down the road and stood on the shoulder. A black jeep pulled up beside her.
"Thanks for coming," Trixie said as Jim got out from behind the wheel.
"No problem," Jim said moving to the shoulder beside her. "Any sign of Brian?"
Trixie shook her head. "I’ve gone into the woods a little ways, but he’s not there."
"Was there anything in the car?"
"The keys were still in the ignition and there was blood on the steering wheel."
"Someone may have picked him up and taken him to Dr. Ferris."
"Even if a good samaritan did that, a tow truck would have picked up the car and Brian would still have his keys." Trixie looked at the car.
"Maybe it’s nothing," Jim said. "Let’s call Honey. She may know where he is."
"What if we call her and she doesn’t? We may worry her for nothing."
"But he may have called her. We should at least check."
Trixie handed Jim her phone. "Give it a try then. But I have a feeling she won’t talk to us."
As Jim dialed the phone, Trixie looked around. She had a feeling her brother’s disappearance was real.
"Celia, it’s Jim. Can I speak to Honey?" Trixie looked at Jim as he waited. "Give her the phone, Celia. This is important." Jim ran his hand through his hair. "Honey, don’t hang up. I know you are angry at me, but I need to know if you’ve talked with Brian today."
Jim was quiet again. "Why? I need to talk to him. If you hear from him, ask him to give me a call." He paused. "Bye."
He shut the phone off and handed it back to her.
"Jim, I hate to say this, but I think we need to call Chief Molinson."
"It’s your move, Trixie."
Trixie started pressing numbers on her phone.
* * * * *
An hour later, Trixie stood watching Sleepyside Police Detectives search her brother’s car. She couldn’t understand what they were hoping to find. There was nothing in the car. She thought about the officers checking the area for some sign of Brian. Chief Molinson had immediately called in more officers to search once he heard who was missing.
Chief Molinson came over to her. "Trixie, I think you need to let your family know what’s going on."
"Chief," Trixie began but the ringing of her phone interrupted her. She put it to her ear. "Hello?"
"Oh, Trixie." It was Honey and she was crying.
"What is it, Honey?" Trixie looked at Jim as he came toward her.
"Oh, Trixie," Honey cried. "Brian’s been kidnapped."
"What?"
"I just received a message."
Trixie closed her eyes and took a breath. "What did the message say?"
"It said ‘Are you missing your fiance’? You’ll be missing him for all eternity.’ Why did this happen to Brian?"
"Honey, calm down. Tell me where you are."
"I’m at Manor House."
"Stay put. I’ll be there soon."
"Okay."
Trixie opened her eyes as she ended the call. She looked at Jim and the Chief. "Brian’s been kidnapped. Honey received a note."
"Where is she?" Jim asked.
"Manor House."
"Let’s go. I’ll drive you."
"I’ll have a couple officers come along," Chief Molinson said.
"Fine." Trixie looked at Jim. "Let’s go."
Chapter 8
Five minutes later, Jim pulled into the driveway at Manor House. As soon as he shut off the engine, they were out of the Jeep hurrying to the house, unaware that the police were right behind them. As they stepped inside, Celia said, "Honey is in her room."
Trixie took the stairs two at a time heading for Honey’s room. She could hear Jim right behind her. They reached the room and Trixie pushed the door open.
Honey looked up as they entered the room. Jumping to her feet, she climbed off her bed and ran to Jim. He pulled her close as she started crying.
"It’ll be all right," Jim said. "He’ll be all right."
"Honey, I know you are upset, but I need to see the note."
Honey turned away from Jim, but he kept his arm around her shoulder. "Everything is on the bed," she said. "All the previous notes and...and the latest one."
Trixie moved to the bed and scanned the papers. She quickly saw the one that was new. She picked it up with a tissue and read the words to herself. She thought, I can’t believe this is happening.
"What are we going to do?" Honey asked getting her attention.
"We’re going to find Brian so you two can get married," Trixie said turning to face Honey and Jim.
"Is there any clue as to who did this?" Jim asked.
Trixie shook her head. "None. But it’s possible some fingerprints can be lifted off the note. We’ll have the police do it. It may be a match if there are any prints in Brian’s car."
"Why would there be prints in Brian’s car?"
Trixie looked at Jim and nodded his head. She knew she had to tell Honey. "I found his car stuck in a ditch a little while ago. The keys were still in the ignition." She took a breath. "I also found blood on the steering wheel."
"No," Honey said putting her hand to her mouth.
"Honey, we don’t know if that blood was Brian’s or from the person who took him," Trixie said.
"We will find him, Honey," Jim said pulling her close. "We will."
At that moment, Honey’s phone rang. She walked to the phone and picked it up with a shaking hand. "Hello?"
Trixie moved to Honey and leaned in close as Honey tipped the phone for her to listen.
"I have a feeling you received the note I sent by now," a male voice said.
"Where is my fiance’? What did you do to him?"
"So many questions," the male voice said.
Trixie focused on the background hoping to hear something that would give her a clue as to where the caller was coming from.
"Why did you take Brian?"
"Because I knew he wouldn’t be missed"
"Where is he?" Honey yelled.
"That’s not very becoming for a lady with your social standing," the male voice said. "You should be engaged to someone with the same standing. Not some do-gooder from a small town."
"No one can tell me who I should be with," Honey said getting angry. "Now, where is he?"
"Well, it seems like someone is willing to do anything to get the doctor-to-be back," the male voice said. "I’ll think about telling you." Click.
Trixie looked at Honey, whose face was white. She took Honey by the arm and sat her on the bed. She looked at Jim and quickly filled him in on the conversation. When she finished, she turned to the officers standing in the doorway of Honey’s room. She moved to them and handed them the latest letter.
"Take this and have the prints lifted off it," she said. "I want to know who touched this note."
"But..." the one officer began.
"There’s no ‘buts’," Trixie said. "You can either take this to the station or I’ll call the FBI to do it for you. Instead of dealing with Molinson, you’d be dealing with the federal government." She stared the officer in the eye. "Who would you rather deal with?"
"How soon do you want the results?" the officer asked taking the note.
"Yesterday." She pulled a piece of paper out of a notebook she always carried in her back pocket. She quickly wrote down a number. "As soon as the results are in, call me."
"Yes, ma’am," the officer said taking the number. The two of them left the room.
Trixie quickly dialed her phone and put it to her ear. "Agent Williams please." She looked at Honey and Jim. "Tell him it’s Trixie Belden."
"Who is this agent?" Jim asked sitting down beside Honey.
"Agent Williams, it’s Trixie." She paused. "Yes, it’s good to hear you too. But there is a reason I called. I need your help."
She quickly explained to the agent what was going on and he said he would be there in a few hours to help. As she set her phone down, she looked at Jim ready to answer his question.
“Agent Stan Williams was one of the agents I trained with while at the FBI. He owed me a favor and I think Brian’s life is worth it."
"What can we do?"
"We need to get the whole family together," Trixie said. "We should only have to explain this once."
Trixie looked at Honey and saw her best friend was in shock. She looked at Jim and he said, "I’ll make the calls. How about we meet downstairs in an hour?"
"Great," Trixie said.
Jim looked at Honey. "If you need me, just whistle."
Jim left the room as Trixie sat on the bed beside Honey. "Honey, I know you’re worried about Brian, but you have to be positive. We will get him back."
"What if we don’t? What will I do without him? I need him in my life, Trixie. I can’t go on without him."
Trixie gave Honey a hug as she broke into tears. She rubbed Honey’s back hoping she was right. She hoped they would get Brian back, unharmed.
Chapter 9
An hour later, Trixie entered the living room with Honey. As she walked in,
she saw her parents along with Honey’s sitting on the couches. Mart and Di
were standing behind Moms and Dad. Dan was standing next to Jim trying to find
out what was going on.
"What is going on?" Madeleine Wheeler asked.
Trixie put her hand in the air signaling everyone to be quiet. She watched
Honey move over to Jim and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
"What is going on, Trix?" Mart asked. "Why this special meeting?"
Trixie brushed a few stray curls behind her ear. "What I have to say is
important. That’s why I asked for all of you to be here at one time so I only
have to do this once."
"What is it, sweetie?" Peter Belden asked.
Trixie looked at Jim and he nodded his head.
"Brian has been kidnapped."
"What?" Peter asked.
"Oh, no," Helen Belden exclaimed.
"How?" Mart asked.
"It can’t be," Madeleine said.
Everyone looked shocked. Trixie closed her eyes and waited for the bombardment
of questions to end. Once they were quiet, Trixie explained what they knew.
When she finished, Mart asked, "What can we do to help?"
"Nothing right now," Trixie said. "The police are checking the prints on the
note Honey received. I’m also waiting on an associate of mine from the FBI to
help out. When he gets here, we’ll come up with a plan."
"Trixie, do you think you’ll get Brian back?" Peter asked wrapping his arm
around his wife’s shoulder.
"We’ll do our best," Trixie said not wanting to give false hope in either
direction.
Trixie turned, left the room and exited the house. She needed time to think.
She made her way down the driveway toward the gatehouse. When she reached it,
she realized she didn’t have her key anymore. She had left it with her
brothers when she had left for college. She hoped the extra key was still
hidden on top of the windowsill. It was.
Unlocking the door, she stepped inside and turned the light on. She looked
around. Everything looked the same as the last time she was in there before
going to college.
She moved to the table and sat down on one of the benches. She ran her hand
over the table and thought about how the boys, now men, had worked hard to
make the gatehouse their own.
Closing her eyes, she could picture Brian up on the roof helping to make it
weather tight with Jim and Mart. She could also see her eldest brother sitting
atop Starlight as they rode as a group through the game preserve.
Trixie felt the tears start streaming down her face. She put her hands to her
face and sobbed out loud.
Why did this have to happen to Brian? she thought. Why now? He’s
supposed to be getting ready for the wedding. I have to find him. I have these
skills I’ve gained while working with the FBI, but what good are they doing
me? My brother is missing and I don’t know where he is? I wish I could’ve seen
this coming. I could’ve had him on guard.
I can’t understand why I am so scared. I have worked on kidnapping cases
before and it never affected me this way. But then again, it wasn’t my
brother, my flesh and blood, that was taken. I just hope everything I learned
will help me to get him back. It just has to.
She continued to cry. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been there when she felt
a strong hand on her shoulder. The hand gave it a squeeze. She felt the person
sit down beside her. Without looking up, she turned and cried on the person’s
chest. Whoever it was wrapped an arm around her shoulder and rubbed her back
without saying a word.
After a little while, her sobs quieted down and she leaned back. Looking up,
she saw it was Jim who had been comforting her.
"I’m sorry," she said startled sliding back on the bench.
"It’s all right." Jim reached over and wiped the tears from her face with his
thumbs.
Trixie got to her feet as if an electric current shot through her and moved to
the window with her arms crossed in front of her chest. "Has there been any
word?"
"Nothing yet."
She looked at her watch. "Stan should be here soon."
"Trixie, look at me," Jim said.
She turned her gaze on him and saw he was staring at her. She felt her heart
beat a little faster. Part of her wanted him to hold her, but she knew they
would never be a couple again.
"Trix, how are holding up with this, really?" Jim asked. "I want you to be
honest with me."
She looked at the floor. "I am a little worried. Mostly because I don’t know
who has Brian." She looked at Jim. "But I guarantee I will find my brother."
"What can I do to help?"
Trixie was surprised. Jim rarely volunteered to help. He was always trying to
convince her to stay out of things.
He must have seen the surprise on her face because he said, "I can’t sit here
and do nothing. Honey is scared and I will do anything to help them get back
to each other."
"I think Honey would appreciate it. She loves Brian so much."
"She sure does."
There was an awkward silence. Trixie felt uncomfortable being alone with Jim
in the gatehouse. The silence was broken by the ringing of her cell phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Trixie, it’s Stan."
"Where are you?"
"I’m just leaving the city now. I had to pick up some supplies and should be
there soon. Has there been any more contact?"
"No, not a word."
"Okay. I’ll be there soon and we will find this kidnapper."
"I appreciate you coming to help," Trixie said. "Come right up to the Manor
House when you get here. We can set up the equipment there." Jim nodded his
head.
"All right. I’ll see you soon."
"Bye." Trixie turned off her phone.
"He’s on his way?" Jim asked.
Trixie nodded. "I hope you don’t mind me telling him to come to the Manor
House."
"That’s fine. The person behind this keeps contacting Honey. This is where the
equipment should be."
"We should probably get back to the house. The lunatic may call again."
"Honey will need you if the call comes," Jim said.
"She’ll need you too," Trixie said with a smile.
"Let’s go."
Chapter 10
It was midnight and Trixie was sitting in the empty room next to Honey’s. She
and Stan had set up the equipment in there so as not to disturb Honey anymore.
Trixie leaned back in the chair and stared at the equipment. There had not
been a call to her phone all day. She was taking her turn monitoring while
Stan went to get some fresh air.
When Stan had arrived, he had been kind and understanding as he got down to
work. After setting up the equipment that would trace any calls to Honey’s
phone, the blond-haired 35-year-old talked to Honey trying to find a lead as
to what had gone on. He had taken his time knowing she was upset and listened
as she talked.
Now, they were waiting for the kidnappers to call back. Stan felt pretty sure
the individual would call Honey again since she had been receiving notes for a
while.
Trixie got to her feet and moved about the room. She didn’t like to sit and
wait, but she knew it was part of the job. She looked over at the wall and
noticed the boxes of items that were there for the wedding.
She moved toward the items and immediately saw the box that held the name
cards for the tables at the reception. Without thinking, the lifted the lid
and took out the first few cards. The first card she saw was Honey’s, with her
married name. She smiled. She couldn’t wait for Honey to be her sister. It
felt right.
She flipped to the next card and stopped. It was Brian’s and his name was
crossed out with a red marker. She couldn’t believe it.
The next card had her name. She fingered the lettering and realized there was
no need for her to have a card since she was banned from the wedding. She put
the cards back in the box and closed the lid. As she turned away from the
wedding items, she rubbed her arms. She had to find the kidnapper. It was the
only way to make it up to Honey.
Trixie moved back to the equipment and sat down.
"Hey."
Turning, she saw Jim standing in the doorway with a mug in his hand. He came
toward her and handed her the steaming mug. "I brought you some hot
chocolate."
"Thanks," Trixie said taking the mug. She took a sip before looking at him.
"How’s Honey doing?"
"She’s worried. Just like everyone else."
"Whoever has Brian is out of his or her mind. We will get him back."
"Just keep thinking that," Jim said. "I’m going to sit with Honey. If there’s
anything you or Stan need, just let me know."
"Thanks, Jim."
He nodded his head and left the room.
Trixie took another sip of the hot chocolate. She hoped she was right that
they would get Brian back.
Chapter 11
Trixie saw Brian laying on a bed with his hands tied above his head. His
feet were tied to the foot of the bed. His face was turned away from her. She
moved closer. She needed to get a closer look at her brother’s face. She
touched his chin and turned his head toward her.
As she moved his face, his eyes opened and he stared at her. She let go of
his face.
"You did this to me. You put me in this position. You are at fault for
everything."
Trixie stepped back shaking her head. She couldn’t believe her brother would
say those things. She knew it wasn’t true.
"No," she said. "No."
Trixie opened her eyes quickly and looked around. She immediately recognized
her surroundings as a room in the Manor House. She looked over and saw Stan
staring at the equipment. He looked at her and smiled.
"Look who finally woke up."
"What time is it?" she asked softly.
"About six," Stan said. "You fell asleep about three."
"I didn’t mean to," Trixie said sliding into an upright position.
"It’s all right. You’ve been up almost 48 hours straight. I didn’t expect you
to keep going without sleep until this was taken care of."
"I’ll go make some coffee, then you can take a break."
"That sounds great."
Trixie stood up and wrapped the blanket that was covering her around her
shoulders and made her way down to the kitchen. She quietly started the coffee
and waited. She couldn’t believe they hadn’t heard anything about Brian. As
more time passed, Trixie became more worried. She wanted to know for sure that
her eldest brother was all right. He had to be.
Once the coffee was ready, she filled the cups and took them back to the room.
She stepped inside and handed one to Stan before sitting back down.
"So," Stan said. "I guess things are still the same between you and Jim."
Trixie smiled a little. She had gotten to know Stan real well while working
with the FBI and found he was an easy person to talk to. She had told him
about what happened when she left for school and had listened without telling
her what she should have done.
"Actually, Jim and I have decided to be civil to each other. We’ve hurt too
many people because of our problems."
She watched Stan take a drink. "Do you think the two of you will get back
together?"
"I’m not sure, but I doubt it. There’s too much between us."
Stan got to his feet. "I’m going outside. I need a change of scene. Call if
there’s anything."
"Got it."
Stan left the room. Trixie pulled her legs up underneath her. She wondered why
the kidnapper hadn’t called yet. There had to be a reason for it.
But what was with Stan questioning me about Jim? she thought. I know
I talked to him before about why I hadn’t been home during my time with the
bureau. He had listened and didn’t say anything. He had been a good friend,
but it wouldn’t go any further. We could only be friends.
I guess that’s all I ever will be with Jim too. I may have feelings for
him, but I know that he doesn’t feel the same way about me. And we have to
make sure the friendship works.
"Hey."
Turning, Trixie saw Jim standing in the doorway. He had on a pair of shorts,
but no shirt. She couldn’t believe how muscular his chest and arms were.
"Hey yourself."
Jim came into the room and sat down in the seat Stan vacated. "You look tired.
Did you get any sleep?"
"A little. What about Honey? Do you know if she slept at all?"
"She slept on and off all night. Mother and I took turns sitting up with her."
"She’s got to be terrified," Trixie said tightening her hold on the mug in her
hand.
"I can see you’re worried too," Jim said. "Trixie, if there’s anything I can
do, please let me know. Brian is my best friend. I can’t sit here and watch
Honey torture herself thinking the worst."
"Thank you for the offer. And I understand how you feel. I can’t stand to
watch her this way either. But we can’t do anything until the kidnapper
calls." Trixie looked at the mug.
"Could the reason the call hasn’t come be because Brian is already dead?"
Trixie’s head snapped up to look at him. "Don’t say that," she said loudly.
"He’s not dead. He can’t be."
"I’m sorry," Jim said. "I just had to ask."
"I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to snap at you."
Jim got off the chair and moved closer to her. He kneeled in front of her and
took her hands in his. "I know you’re having a lot to deal with and I’d rather
have you lose your temper with me than with anyone else."
Trixie looked at Jim. She couldn’t believe how understanding he was being. She
forgot about this side of him. He was always there for her when they were
younger.
"I am sorry," Trixie said.
"I know."
At that moment, the phone in Honey’s room rang. Trixie said, "Get Stan. He’s
outside."
Trixie moved to the equipment as Jim hurried out of the room. She lifted the
earphones as she heard Honey answer the phone.
"If it isn’t Miss Honey Wheeler," a male voice said.
Trixie knew it was the kidnapper.
"I want to talk to Brian," Honey said trying to steady her voice.
"A little impatient, aren’t we?"
"Please, let me talk to him. I need to know he’s all right."
"In a moment." He took a breath. "I think you and I need to make a deal."
"What kind of deal do you want?"
"I want something from you."
Trixie felt Stan slide into the chair beside her. She could only see Jim out
of the corner of her eye. She wrote "Go to Honey" on a paper and handed it to
him.
"What do you want?" Honey asked.
"You."
"What?" Honey asked.
"I know you won’t give me yourself," the man laughed. "But you are what I
want."
"Please," Honey begged. "I’ll give you money, but I want Brian back."
"All right. I’ll take 50 million."
"You can have it, but please let me talk to Brian."
"If you must."
Trixie listened to the noise on the other end of the phone. She couldn’t tell
where he was. There were no outside sounds. She heard a door open and
footsteps. She heard something rip and a small moan.
"There’s someone who wants to talk to you. Your fiancee’."
"Honey?" Brian’s voice sounded weak.
"Oh, Brian, sweetie, are you all right?"
"Honey, don’t do anything. I mean it." Brian’s voice was a little stronger.
"Brian, I love you."
"That’s it," the male voice said. "I’ll call with directions when I think
you’ve had enough time to get the money together."
Click.
Trixie pulled the headphones off and looked at Stan. He was writing down
notes. She hoped he knew where her brother was being held. She heard quick
footsteps. As she looked up, she saw Honey and Jim come into the room.
Honey’s face was white and there were dark circles under her eyes. Jim had his
hands on her shoulders. Honey said, "I tried to keep him on as long as I
could."
"You did fine," Stan said without looking up.
"What do you have?" Trixie asked staring at Stan.
"We need to check something out," Stan said.
"Where are we going?" Jim asked.
Trixie and Stan looked at Jim, surprised. "I know you want to help," Stan
began. "And there’s something more important you can be doing. You can make
arrangements to have that money ready to go when he calls back."
"And what will you be doing?" Jim asked.
"Finding out more about this guy." Stan looked at Trixie. "Let’s go."
Trixie got to her feet and followed Stan out of the room. She heard a crash
and knew Jim had lost his temper. She climbed into Stan’s car as he started
the engine. As he exited the driveway and headed into town, she asked, "Where
are we going?"
"I have an idea where the call came from."
"And?" Trixie prompted.
"Hawthorne Street."
"Oh, no." Trixie knew that street. She had been there before when she was
younger and knew it was a bad part of town.
"That’s not the best part of town, is it?" Stan asked.
"No, it’s not."
"Hopefully we can figure out who it is."
"I hope you’re right. Brian didn’t sound good on the phone."
"We’ll do our best."
"What are we going to do?" Trixie asked trying not to think of the condition
her brother could be in.
"We’ll observe for a little while to see if we can find out who it is."
"I hope this isn’t a wild goose chase," Trixie said. "We have to find him."
Chapter 12
Two hours later, Trixie and Stan were seated in his car watching people move
up and down the street. No one could see them since the windows on his car
were tinted. Trixie hadn’t seen many people. No one looked familiar to her.
She wondered if they were wasting their time.
Ring.
It was her phone. "Hello?"
"Trix, it’s Jim."
"What’s up?"
"I called to let you know we have the money."
"Great."
"What’s going on?" Stan asked.
"Hang on, Jim," Trixie said into the phone. She quickly told Stan what Jim had
said.
"Tell him we’re on our way," Stan said.
"Shouldn’t someone stay here and watch to see who makes the next call?"
"How will you get back to the house?" Stan asked.
"I’ll come and get you," Jim said listening through the phone.
"I’ll meet you at Wimpy’s then," Trixie said.
"I’ll be there soon," Jim said.
Trixie hung up the phone, then looked at Stan. "Take me around the corner and
I’ll walk to Wimpy’s."
"Are you sure?"
"It’s not that far."
Stan looked at her for a moment. "All right." Stan started the engine as
Trixie looked back at the phone on the corner. She looked at the people
walking by. One face stood out to her from when she was younger.
Tad Webster. She stared at him wondering if it was her imagination. She
couldn’t believe he was in town.
She felt the car turn and move down the street. She looked out the front
windshield and pointed to a spot Stan could pull over. He did.
Trixie unhooked her seatbelt. "If you see anything, Stan, call me."
"Got it. Same goes for you."
"No problem."
"How far is this Wampy’s place?"
"Wimpy’s and it’s a couple blocks. I’ll be fine. I grew up here."
"All right."
Trixie got out of Stan’s car and closed the door. She watched him pull into
traffic and go around the block. She pulled out her phone and quickly punched
in seven numbers. She put her phone to her ear.
"Officer Mangan speaking."
"Dan, it’s Trixie."
"Hey, Trix. What’s up? Have you found Brian yet?"
"Not yet. Dan, I need you to do a check and I need the results ASAP."
"What is it?"
"Find out if Tad Webster is still in jail."
"Trixie..."
"Just do it." Trixie ended the call.
She quickly started toward Wimpy’s. She hoped she had been seeing things. But
she had a feeling she wasn’t. If I really saw Tad, she thought, then we’re
really in some serious trouble. He was angry when he went to jail and his
anger probably got worse. I can’t believe it’s been five years since the
incident. I forgot all about it until now.
It was the night of the girls senior prom. Trixie, Honey and Di had ridden in
the Wheeler limousine with their dates, Jim ,Brian and Mart respectively. All
of them were looking forward to a night of fun.
While at the prom, Tad had come in, drunk. He had a knife and threatened to
kill everyone. No one knew what he was talking about, but knew he couldn’t be
trusted. Tad went on about how everyone in attendance was going to pay.
At that moment, Honey and Brian came into the room. Tad put the knife to
Honey’s throat after pushing Brian away. Tad claimed he was going to start
with them, the members of the Bob-Whites, because they felt they were superior
than everyone else.
Trixie knew she had to do something. She had approached Tad trying to convince
him what he was doing was wrong. He got distracted and turned away from Honey.
Trixie kicked his hand that held the knife and it fell to the floor.
Honey pushed his arm away and hurried to the safety of Brian’s arms. Jim and
Mart had taken Tad’s arms and held onto him until the police arrived. Tad
stood trial and was sentenced to jail.
She shook her head bringing her back to the present. She hoped she was wrong
and this wasn’t revenge. Trixie reached Wimpy’s and stood outside.
What if Tad is the one who has Brian? she thought. He could be doing
this to get revenge for what happened years ago. He never liked us to begin
with and I guess his hatred continued to grow.
A horn beeped getting her attention. She looked up and saw Jim’s Jeep pulling
up at the curb. She moved to the Jeep and quickly got in.
"Head back to the Manor House," Trixie said as she fastened her seatbelt.
"All right," Jim said and pulled into traffic. "Did you find anything?"
"Nothing yet." At that moment her phone rang. "Hello?"
"Trix, it’s Dan."
"What do you have?"
"He’s out Trixie. Tad’s been out since February."
"Is there anything else?"
"No. His parole officer hasn’t heard from him since he was released. Do you
know where he is?"
"No, but I’ll keep an eye out."
"All right," Dan said.
"Thanks."
"I’ll talk to you later."
"Bye." Trixie shut off her phone and closed her eyes. Her feeling that Tad was
behind this began to grow worse.
"Who was that?" Jim asked.
"Dan. He was looking up some information for me."
"Do you have a lead?"
"Nothing yet. Could you drop me off at the farm? I need to change my clothes.
I’ll be up as soon as I’m done."
"I can wait for you."
"I appreciate the offer. But if the kidnapper calls again, Honey is going to
need you there."
"Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?"
Trixie looked at Jim and smiled. "You’re doing it."
Jim pulled into the drive at Crabapple Farm and Trixie got out. She went
inside and hoped she had time to get things ready.
Chapter 13
After putting some items in a bag, Trixie went down to have dinner with her
family. No one ate much, concerned about Brian. When they finished, Trixie
went back up to the Manor House wondering if the kidnapper would call. She
threw her bag in her jeep and drove to her neighbors. She parked her jeep so
she could easily leave if the need came.
She went inside and up to Honey’s room. She saw Honey sitting on her bed with
some wedding items. Trixie easily picked out the closed box for the place
settings.
"How are you holding up?" Trixie asked moving over to the bed.
Honey looked up. "I’m okay."
"Honey, be honest with me. We’re best friends." Trixie watched as tears
streamed down her face. She hurried to Honey and gave her friend a hug. She
held her tight. "Honey, it’ll be all right."
"I’m so worried about Brian. I have to get him back."
"We’ll get him," Trixie said. "We will."
Trixie sat there holding her best friend hoping she sounded convincing. After
a few minutes, Honey leaned back and wiped her eyes.
"I didn’t mean to break down."
"It’s all right. You’re worried about Brian. So am I. But we will get him
back. And you two will have your wedding."
"I don’t care about the wedding. I just want Brian back."
"We all do," a male voice said.
They turned and saw Jim standing in the doorway. He moved into the room and
sat down on the bed behind Honey.
"Thanks for saying that, Jim. I needed to hear that."
"We will find him and you will be back together," Jim said.
Honey nodded her head.
At that moment, Honey’s phone rang. Trixie got to her feet and hurried to the
next room. She picked up the earphones and listened.
"Hello?" Honey asked.
"Miss Honey Wheeler."
"I have your money. Tell me where my fiance’ is."
"You have grown impatient these past few years."
"I’m tired of playing games. Where do you want the money? Where can I find
Brian?"
"If you insist," the male voice said. "This is the plan. You, Honey, and no
one else, will take the money to the high school and drop it into the garbage
can closest to the woods opposite the football field. After I check to make
sure the money is there, I will let you know where to find him."
"That won’t work. You have to bring along or there’s no deal."
Trixie couldn’t believe what Honey was doing.
"I’m calling the shots and I’ll tell you where to get your fiance’!" the male
voice yelled.
"Fine. When do you want me to drop off the money?"
"At midnight. And no cops."
"I’ll be there."
Click.
Trixie pulled the earphones off and dialed her phone. After the second ring,
the other end picked up.
"Hello?" Stan answered.
"It’s Trixie."
"What’s going on?"
"We got a drop off. Was anyone at the phone there?"
"No. It’s been empty since I dropped you off. Why?"
"It doesn’t matter now, but I do have a plan."
"What?" Stan asked.
"You do?" Jim and Honey asked getting her to look at them.
"Stan, go to the high school and make your way through the woods," Trixie
said. "Honey will be dropping off the money in a garbage can opposite the
football field. From there, they will get a call about Brian’s whereabouts."
"What time is the drop off?"
"Midnight."
"And what will you be doing?"
"What I was trained to do."
"Now, Trixie..." Stan began.
"This is how it has to be done," Trixie stated. "Each moment we waste arguing
puts my brother’s life in more danger. Now, are you going to the school or do
I have to find someone else who will?"
"I’m on my way."
"Good." Trixie turned off her phone.
"What are you going to do?" Jim asked.
"I’m going position myself to follow the person in case Stan loses the
person."
"Let me come with you," Jim said.
Trixie shook her head. "You can’t, Jim. You need to drive Honey to the drop
off and bring her back."
"Trixie," Jim said.
"Jim," Trixie said. "You have to do this. Honey is in no condition to drive."
"I’m worried, Trixie," Honey said. "What if something happens?"
"Nothing will." Trixie looked at her watch. "I need to get going. I’ll call
you later."
"Be careful," Jim said.
"You too."
Trixie quickly hurried out of the room to her jeep. She hoped she was doing
the right thing.
Chapter 14
An hour later, Trixie was sitting against the building where they had been
watching the phone. She had changed into dirty clothes and was trying to blend
in with the other people in the area. She had pulled her hair out of her
ponytail and had it hanging loose around her face, hiding her features.
After a little while, she staggered to her feet and made her way to the door.
She easily slipped inside and sat down on the stairs. She had seen Tad go into
this building earlier and had a feeling he knew where Brian was. She hoped
that with where she was sitting, she could see which room Tad came from. She
hoped something would happen soon.
Footsteps coming down the hall caught her attention. She immediately
recognized Tad in the dim light. His face was pale. He turned and looked down
the hall before leaving.
Once the door was closed, Trixie got to her feet and moved to the room. She
touched the knob. It turned easily in her hand. She pushed the door open. The
room was dark. She stepped in and closed the door letting her eyes adjust. She
pulled a flashlight out and turned it on. The room she was in looked like it
was a living room.
Trixie turned around and saw two doors. One was opened and led to the
bathroom. The other door was closed. Moving quietly, she stepped to the door
and reached for the knob. She turned it and pushed the door open. There was a
single light on in the room. From where she stood in the doorway, the room was
empty.
A moan caught her attention.
Trixie stepped into the room and looked behind the door. She cried out a
little seeing her brother tied to the bed. She quickly moved to him. His hands
were tied above his head. His feet were tied to the bed frame. He stared at
her for a moment, confused. Then he realized who she was.
Brian was pale and there was a gash on his forehead. She said as she reached
for his mouth, "This may hurt."
Brian nodded and closed his eyes. Trixie pulled the tape off his mouth and he
moaned again.
Trixie reached up and untied his hands. She took his hands and lowered them to
his chest. He winced in pain at the movement. She moved to his legs and
loosened the ropes.
"I’m so glad to see you," Trixie said looking at his face.
She shined the light on him trying to see where he was injured. Looking at his
arms and legs, she realized he was just weak.
"How?" Brian got out.
"I just used my skills," Trixie said with a small smile. "But the actual
explanation can wait. I need to get you to the hospital."
"You’re not going anywhere," a voice said behind her.
As she started to turn around, she was hit in the head. She blacked out.