She slowly moved her head, moaning in pain. She hurt. Moving ever so slightly without opening her eyes, she took inventory of her body. There was a throbbing pain in her arms and legs, but she didn’t think anything was broken. Taking a deep breath, she stopped when she felt a searing pain in her chest. She moaned again. She had a feeling her ribs were broken.

She couldn’t remember how she had been injured or where she was. She knew she had to find out.

Forcing her eyes open, she was greeted with darkness. She listened for something that would be an indication of her whereabouts. But there was just deafening silence.

Suddenly there was a moan from the other side of the room. “Trix?”

“Who’s there?” 25-year-old Trixie Frayne asked softly, trying to place the voice. She didn’t recognize it and her memory was fuzzy.

Movement was heard and she turned her head slightly toward the sound. A male voice said, “It’s me. Dan.”

Trixie knew only one Dan. “Dan Mangan?”

There was a small laugh. “Yeah, it’s me.”

Dan was an old friend and also a member of the Bob-Whites of the Glen, a club formed when they were in high school with her two brothers and three neighbors.

She felt a hand touch her arm and another touch her forehead.  She asked, “What happened? Where are we?”

“I’m not sure.”

Trixie took a breath and tried to remain calm. “Dan, I can’t remember what we were doing. My mind is blank.”

“We had met for lunch in the city. You had a meeting with a client earlier and then stopped by to see me. We went out to eat. But after that, I don’t know.”

She struggled to sit up, gritting her teeth. “We need to find a way out of where ever we are.”

“Are you hurt?” Dan asked quickly, noticing the change in her voice.

“No,” Trixie said lying.

“Stay still. Let me see if I can find some light.”

Trixie listened to Dan grunt as he got to his feet. She leaned back on the floor. A moment later, a light was turned on. She blinked against the brightness.

When her eyes adjusted to the light, she looked at their surroundings. A single bulb dangled from the ceiling high out of their reach. Four cement walls surrounded them with a door in the middle of one. There was nothing else.

Looking at Dan as he struggled to open the door, she saw his face had bruises and his left eye was swollen. His shirt sleeves had holes in them and he was cradling his left arm against his chest.

Dan moved back over to her and sat down on the floor. “The door is solid.”

“We have to find a way out,” Trixie said.

“Are you having trouble swallowing?”

“No. Why?”

“You have bruises on your neck.”

Trixie put her hand to her neck. It was a little sore, but she knew she was all right.  “I think I’ll be okay.”

“Are you hurt anywhere else, Trix?”

“I’m sore almost everywhere. I think a couple of my ribs may be broken.”

“You’re having trouble breathing?”

“A little,” Trixie admitted knowing she couldn’t lie to him. She looked at Dan trying to joke. “I didn’t think joining you for lunch would be so dangerous.”

“Lunch with me isn’t dangerous. It’s dangerous when drivers purposely ram vehicles.”

“Dan?” Trixie asked, realizing he was remembering what happened.

He put his head in his right hand, groaning.

“Dan, what is it? Tell me.”

Trixie watched Dan lift his head and saw the anguish on his fact. “Trix, I am so sorry.”

“You aren’t at fault.” She reached over and took his hand in hers. “Tell me.”

“I know who was in the car that rammed us.”

“Dan, I don’t remember.”

“Go ahead and fill her in.”

They both looked. Dan’s old gang member, Luke, was standing by the opened door, glaring at them.

Dan said quietly, “It was him.”

There was silence for a moment.

“Why are you doing this?” Dan asked, never taking his eyes off Luke.

“You owe me,” Luke said. “And it’s time you pay.”

“Let Trixie go,” Dan said. “I’ll stay here and you can make me pay, but you have to let her go.”

“No,” Trixie said, not wanting to leave Dan alone with Luke.

“That’s not going to happen,” Luke said smiling. “Neither of you are going anywhere any time soon.”

“Luke, you are just getting yourself into more trouble,” Dan said.

“I’m not going to get into any trouble.” Luke pulled out a knife and pointed it at Dan. “Get back from her. Now.”

Trixie looked at Dan and they locked eyes. She gave a small nod and he stepped back from her.

Luke stepped further into the room keeping the knife pointed at Dan. He reached down to Trixie, grabbing the necklace hanging around her neck, an anniversary gift from Jim, and yanked it off.

“I think I’ll get a pretty penny for this.” Luke backed away from her. “Enjoy yourselves in these great accommodations.”

He stepped out of the room, pulling the steel door closed behind him. Trixie closed her eyes letting out a breath knowing she had been lucky he had not done anything else to her.

“Trix, I should have realized…”

“Don’t worry about that now. We need to figure a way out of here to let the police know he’s up to no good. They’ll catch him and put him back in jail where he belongs.”

“You’re right,” Dan said, although he didn’t sound convinced. “We need to get you out of here and to a doctor.”

“You too.”

“Do you really think your ribs are broken?”

“They may be, but it’s also possible that they are just bruised.” She reached over and put her hand on his. “I may just be suffering from the shock of the accident.”

“We need to get out of here,” Dan said, staring at the door.  “Not just because of our injuries, but because I don’t trust Luke.”

“We might have to wait for the right opportunity.”

“You’re right. We’ll have to wait.”

Jim Frayne paced through the first floor of the house at Ten Acres, wondering where his wife of a year and a half was. She was supposed to return to their home after meeting with a client in the city and joining Dan for lunch. Seven hours had passed since he heard from Trixie letting him know where she was and that she loved him.

He had come home early to get dinner ready for the monthly Bob-White dinner, which had become a tradition since they had all married one another. Trixie had agreed to see Dan since he had to work that night.

Letting out a sigh, he made his way to the phone and dialed the precinct where Dan worked. He knew Dan was on duty and figured he would be able to give some insight to his wife’s whereabouts.

After the second ring, the phone was picked up. “Precinct 22. How can I help you?”

“May I speak with Officer Mangan, please?” Jim asked.

There was a lengthy pause. “Who is this?”

“Jim Frayne. Why?”

“One moment please.”

Jim looked into the living room at their nine-month-old daughter as she slept on the quilt her grandmother had made for her.

“Mr. Frayne? This is Chief Allen. You wanted to speak with Mangan.”

“Yes,” Jim said and started to get a bad feeling. “My wife was supposed to meet him for lunch and then return home. I was hoping he knew her whereabouts.”

“Unfortunately, Mangan is not here at the moment.”

Jim had a feeling the Chief knew something. “Is he out on the road? Maybe you could get a message to him to call me.”

“He’s not on the road.” There was a pause. “We’re trying to find him.”

“Find him?” Jim asked. “What do you mean find him?”

“Mr. Frayne, I don’t feel right talking about this over the phone. Could you possibly come to the precinct so we can discuss the situation?”

“What situation?”

Jim heard the Chef sigh.  “It seems as if Mangan has disappeared.” Jim stared at Katje. He couldn’t believe it. “What’s worse is that the last time he was seen, he was with your wife.”

He felt the air leave his lungs as if someone had punched him in the gut. He said softly, “I’ll be there soon.”

Setting the phone down without another word, he didn’t realize two people had entered the house.

“Jim?” a female voice asked.

He turned and saw his brother-in-law and his wife standing behind them. They were staring at him.

“What’s wrong?” Di asked.

Jim tried to form words, but nothing came out.

“Jim?” Mart asked.

“Could you watch Katje for me?” Jim managed to whisper.

“Of course,” Di said. “Where are you going?”

“Yeah? And where’s Trixie?” Mart asked.

Jim ignored Mart’s question. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Before either of them could say anything else, he grabbed his keys and hurried out of the house. He realized the uneasy feeling he had while at the school had been something he should have acted on. He knew something was wrong with his wife and he just needed to get to her.

Jim pushed his Jeep to the limit making his way into the city. He knew he should’ve been stopped for speeding, but his worry for his wife outweighed the possibility he could get a speeding ticket.

Finally reaching the precinct, Jim stopped his Jeep and hurried inside, trying to squash the feeling of terror raging inside him. He hurried to the desk and said, “I’m here to see Chief Allen. I’m Jim Frayne.”

“One moment,” the desk officer said.

Jim stepped away from the desk and tried to calm his breathing. He was so worried. It was not like Trixie to forget to call if she was running late, especially when their family was to be joining them.

Something must have happened to both of them, he thought. Dan was supposed to be working tonight. He wouldn’t just not show up. He has become so responsible since he came to Sleepyside and joined the Bob-Whites. He’s always at work, even when he is sick. The only way he would have missed coming in is if something happened. And that has to be the case since they are both unaccounted for and were last seen together.

“Mr. Frayne?”

Jim turned and saw an older man approaching. The man was wearing a white shirt and black pants. “I’m Chief Allen.” He offered his hand to Jim and they shook. “Why don’t you follow me?”

He followed the Chief down a hall and into an office. Jim was not surprised at the papers stacked in scattered piles throughout the office. Jim settled in a chair across from the Chief.

“Let me tell you what we know,” Chief Allen said. He took a breath. “Mangan was supposed to come on duty at four o’clock and never showed.”

“But you had seen him earlier,” Jim stated.

Chief Allen nodded. “He and your wife stopped by for a couple minutes because Mangan had left something in his locker. I met your wife and then they were gone.

“Did anyone hear where they may have been going?”

“No.”

Jim let out a breath. He didn’t like what was happening.

Before anything could be said, an officer walked in. “Chief, this just came over the wire. It seems as if a Jeep was found damaged just outside the city. The Jeep was empty.”

“Jeep?” Jim asked, staring at the Chief as he took the paper from the officer.

The Chief looked at the paper. “What was your wife’s plate number?”

“It was a black Jeep with the license plate T-L-J-4-E-V-R.”

The Chief set the paper down letting out a breath. He looked at the officer. “I want the Jeep brought here and gone over thoroughly.”

“Got it.” The officer left the office.

“Something has happened to them,” Jim stated.

“We’re not sure yet. We’ll have to check the VIN on the Jeep to be positive.”

“What could have happened to them?” Jim asked getting to his feet. He started pacing. “Someone had to have seen something. Two people just don’t disappear, especially Trixie.”

“We’re doing everything we can to locate them both.”

Jim turned to the Chief. “What can I do to help?”

“For now, I think it would be best if you returned home. If they have been taken, someone may contact you for a ransom.”

“Do you think that’s what happened?”

“At this time, I don’t know. But we need to be cautious just in case.”

“All right, but if you hear anything, please let me know.”

“The same goes for you,” Chief Allen said.

Jim nodded and left the Chief’s office. Once outside the precinct, Jim looked up at the night sky. Where are you, Trix? He wondered. Hopefully you are all right. I will get you back. I will.

Trixie sat up quickly letting out a moan as the pain shot through her chest. Closing her eyes, she waited until the sensation passed.

“Trixie?”

“I’m okay,” she whispered trying to hide the pain.

“Lean back.”

Trixie slowly lowered herself back done. Once she leaned her head back, she realized she had her head on Dan’s lap. He looked down and brushed the hair off her forehead.

“Are you really all right?”

“Yeah. I was dreaming, but I guess this is real.”

“It is real.”

“What time is it?”

Dan lifted his had and looked at his watch. “Almost midnight.”

Trixie groaned. “Jim has to be frantic.”

“The others are probably the same since you two were supposed to host the dinner tonight.”

“We’ve got to get out of here,” Trixie said. “Did you find anything?”

Dan shook his head. “No. I checked this entire room. We’re sealed in.”

Trixie let out a breath and closed her eyes. “Dan, does any of this make sense to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why would Luke purposely ram you off the road and hold us prisoner? It doesn’t make sense.”

“You don’t know Luke. If you anger or double cross him, he remembers and gets even.”

“But why us?”

“Because we were around when the cops caught him trying to break into the Manor House shortly after I arrived in Sleepyside. He had tried to convince me to go with him, but I didn’t. Then you showed up because Bobby was caught and I decided to help you get him out.”

“I remember he got caught. He thinks we’re responsible.”

“I knew you two would figure it out.”

Trixie and Dan looked to see Luke standing at the open door.

“Luke,” Trixie began, “do you have any idea how much trouble you’re going to get into for abducting us?”

“I don’t really care.”

“This is insane, Luke. You won’t get away with it,” Trixie said.

Luke smiled. “I will because no one will stop me.” He pulled the knife out and pointed it at them. “Now, it’s time to get down to business. Girl, get to your feet and come with me.”

“She’s not going anywhere,” Dan said, putting a hand on Trixie’s arm.

“You don’t have a say in it,” Luke said. “Let’s go. Now.”

When Trixie didn’t move, Luke stepped into the room. He grabbed her by the hair and yanked her to her feet.

“Oww!” Trixie yelled, her ribs hurting at the sudden movement.

“Let go of her!” Dan yelled, getting to his feet.

Before Dan was upright, Luke swung and delivered an uppercut to Dan’s chin. Dan fell back.

Trixie struggled in Luke’s grasp as he pulled her out of the room, the door slamming behind them. He pushed her down the hall keeping a tight grasp on her hair. She tried not to cry out in pain from her ribs.

She was pushed into a room and fell to the floor. Slowly lifting her head, she watched Luke close the door. He slid the knife into his back pocket.

“You know, I was going to make Danny-boy pay, but I think it will be more enjoyable to take it out on you.”

Trixie forced herself to sit up. “You won’t touch me.”

“Won’t I?” Luke laughed. “I don’t see anyone that will stop me. And you can’t.”

Luke made his way toward her and Trixie didn’t move. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing she was scared.

He reached over and touched her cheek. “I think I will keep you for myself and make Danny-boy pay. You’ll make an enjoyable companion.”

“I won’t be anything to you.”

Luke reached out and slapped her face. “I think you’ll change your mind.” He took a step back. “Maybe I need to do something to prove to you that you’ll never be going home again.”

Trixie stared at him as a feeling of dread washed over her. She asked slowly, “What do you have in mind?”

“You’ll just have to wait to find out.”

Luke turned and left the room, the door closed behind him.

Trixie stared at the door. She didn’t like the turn of events. Glancing around her room, she saw that it was as empty as the other one with just a single bulb hanging from the ceiling. She knew they were in a serious situation now that they were separated. She hoped she could figure something out.

Jim drove home on autopilot. He was worried about Trixie. He had a feeling something was wrong and wished he knew what it was. Pulling up to the house, he saw his sister and brother-in-laws car parked near the garage. He knew he had to tell them what was going on. This was something that couldn’t be kept secret.

Jim climbed out of his Jeep and made his way inside. He was exhausted, emotionally, not physically.

As he closed the kitchen door, he leaned his head against it. He heard several footsteps come into the room behind him. Letting out a breath, Jim turned and saw his family standing there, staring at him intently.

“Jim, what’s going on?” Honey asked.

His gaze turned to Brian and Mart, Trixie’s older brothers. He hated having to be the one to break the news to them.

“Jim?” Brian asked.

He rubbed his face with both hands. “Everyone should sit down.”

“Jim, what is going on?” Mart asked, sitting down. “Where did you disappear to? And where’s Trixie?”

Jim ran a hand through his red hair. He looked Brian in the eye. “Trixie is missing.”

“What?” Brian asked.

“You’re kidding,” Mart said.

“No,” Di said.

“Oh, no,” Honey said.

Jim put his hands to his ears. He hated this.

Honey put her hand on his arm. “Jim, are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Jim looked up. “Trixie met with a client earlier in the city and then went to meet Dan for lunch since he wasn’t going to be able to join us tonight.”

“So they were together,” Honey said.

“Then we need to check with Dan,” Brian said.

“He’s also missing,” Jim said softly.

“What?” the four chorused.

Jim nodded. “They met for lunch and went out together. That was the last time they were seen.”

“What did the police say?” Brian asked.

“They are checking the VIN number of a Jeep they found that matches Trixie’s.”

“This is just getting worse,” Di said.

“So what do we do?” Honey asked.

“We wait,” Jim said. “The police are searching for them. The Chief at the precinct told me to wait here in case someone calls about a ransom.”

“Do you think there will be a ransom?” Di asked.

“I don’t know what to think,” Jim said.

Honey got to her feet and moved closer to her brother. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind. “Don’t worry. We’ll be here to help you through this and we will get Trixie and Dan back.”

Jim looked at Honey and was grateful for her support. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”  She put her head on his shoulder and held him tight.

“Shouldn’t we let Regan know?” Di asked.

“Remember, he’s over in Europe checking out some horses,” Honey said turning her head to look at Di.

“I forgot, “ Di said. “But I still think we should let him know.”

“I think you’re right,” Honey said. “I’ll call the house and get the number where he can be reached.”

As Honey headed into the living room to make the call on her cell phone, a silence settled on the kitchen.

“Mart, are you all right?” Brian asked slowly. “You’ve been awfully quiet.”

Jim looked at Mart. He was staring across the room unblinking, his face pale.

“Mart?” Jim asked.

“She’s hurt,” Mart said softly.

“What?” Jim asked. “How do you know?”

Mart blinked and looked at Jim. “You know that twins can sometimes feel what the other is going through, right?” Jim nodded. “I can tell she’s hurt.”

“Are you sure?” Brian asked.

Mart nodded. “This has happened before.”

“When?” Di asked.

“Do you remember when Trixie was working at the police station and her Jeep crashed into the tree?”

“You felt she was hurt then,” Jim said.

“Exactly.” Mart looked around the table. “I know she is in pain, but I can’t tell how much.”

“This is so frustrating,” Jim said as he got to his feet and started pacing. “I want to know where she is.”

“We’ll get her back,” Brian said.

At that moment, Katje started crying. Jim saw Honey move toward the stairs and Jim said, “I’ll go.”

“All right.”

He made his way upstairs to the nursery. Once in the room, he picked their daughter up and pulled her close to his chest. “It’s all right, sweetie. You’re all right.”

Jim quickly changed Katje and then sat down in the rocking chair. He said softly, “Your mommy will be back soon. We’ll get her back.”

Trixie jerked her head back up and opened her eyes. She was alone in the room. She realized she had fallen asleep. She remembered moving to the corner after Luke had left. She had pulled her knees to her chest. She wanted to be as far away from Luke that she could be if he returned to the room.

She moved herself slightly to wake herself up. She knew she had to conserve her strength if the opportunity came along to escape. Glancing at her watch, she saw the face was broken and stopped around 2 o’clock. She groaned wishing she knew how much time had passed.

I need to find a way out of here, she thought. People have to have realized we’re missing and have started searching. Jim probably realized it last night when I didn’t return for dinner. He is probably frantic not knowing my whereabouts. I wish I was at home with him. But I can’t worry about that now. I need to find a way to get to Dan and get us both out of here.

 

Trixie struggled to her feet holding in a groan of pain. She wrapped her left arm around her ribs to protect them from too much movement. She made her way to the door and tried to pull it open, but she had no luck.

She groaned in frustration. She looked around and realized there was no other way to get out. As she walked away from the door, it was pushed open behind her. She turned quickly, wincing in pain to see Luke standing there with a smile on his face.

“How are you this fine morning?” Luke asked with an evil smile.

Trixie stared at him. She didn’t want to talk to him. She just wanted out.

“You know, being quiet will only make me want to talk even more. And it will be worse for you.”

“Why did you separate us? Where is Dan?”

“Don’t you worry your little head about Danny-boy. He’s perfectly fine, except for maybe a few more bruises.”

Without taking the time to think, Trixie ran at Luke ignoring the pain in her chest. She pushed toward him and he took a couple steps back. Luke grabbed hold of her shoulders and shoved her back into the room. She fell to the floor, landing hard, letting out a cry of pain.

“That was stupid!” Luke yelled. “You will pay for trying to leave!”

Before Trixie could defend herself, Luke moved further into the room and grabbed her neck with both hands. As he squeezed, Trixie tried to break his grasp.

“You are the cause of all my problems,” Luke snarled. “You won’t be a problem for anyone anymore.” Trixie struggled for breath. “There will not be a Trixie Frayne anymore.”

Trixie’s hands fell off Luke’s and she blacked out.

Jim made his way quietly into the kitchen trying to avoid waking the others. His in-laws and their wives had decided to stay at the house in case there was any news. Brian had called Helen Belden and told her their whereabouts and if it would be all right for Petey to stay there until the following day. Di had called her parents where the twins were staying and requested the same thing.

It was only five in the morning, but Jim needed something to keep him going. He couldn’t sleep. He had tried once, but the fear of possibly never seeing Trixie again gripped at his heart. He knew it was a possibility and hoped it wouldn’t happen.

Starting a pot of coffee, he stood at the kitchen widow staring into the woods. He could see the softening of the darkness as the sun started its ascent in the sky. He loved mornings like this, but just couldn’t take in the beauty when his life was in such turmoil.

“Jim?” A voice asked softly.

He turned away from the window and saw Honey standing beside him. Her hair was loose from the barrette she wore to keep it from her face and there were shadows under her eyes.

He gave a small smile. “Did you get any sleep?”

“A little.” She moved closer, wrapping her arm around her waist. He put his arm around her shoulder. “How about you?”

“The same.”

“Really?”

Jim looked down at his sister. “Don’t you believe me?”

“I didn’t believe you when you said you were fine when Trixie left for college, now did I?”

Jim gave a small smile. Honey knew him so well. He pulled her close, not trusting his voice.

“We will get her back.” Jim nodded and looked back out the window. “I’ve got an idea,” Honey said. “Why don’t you try to get some sleep and I’ll get breakfast ready for everyone.”

“Thanks, Honey, but I won’t be able to sleep.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

Jim looked down at her. “You’re doing it.”

At that moment, the telephone rang. Jim hurried to the phone and grabbed it. “Hello?”

“Mr. Frayne? This is Chief Allen.”

“Is there any news?” Jim asked, tightening his grasp on the phone.

“We checked the VIN on the Jeep that was found and it matches your wife’s.” Jim closed his eyes. “We also had detectives go over it.”

“What did you find?” Jim asked quietly. He felt someone take his hand and knew it was Honey.

“It may not mean anything,” Chief Allen said.

“What?”

“Blood was found in the front seat.”

“No,” Jim groaned. He let the phone slip out of his hand.

“Hello?” he heard Honey say.

Jim pulled away from Honey and went upstairs to the nursery. He slipped into the room and saw Katje asleep in the crib. Looking at her peaceful face, he saw her right hand was clutched in a fist, exactly the way Trixie slept.

He closed his eyes and leaned his head on the crib railing. She has to be all right, he thought. It must be a coincidence there was blood found in there. I just have to keep thinking she’s fine and will be back with us soon. There has to be something there to give us a lead. There has to be.

Jim was unsure how much time had passed when he felt a gentle hand touch his arm. Turning his head, he wasn’t surprised to see Honey standing there. She leaned her head against him as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder again.

“I’m sorry,” Jim began.

“There’s no need to apologize,” Honey said softly wrapping her arm around his waist.

“Thank you.”

There was a moment of silence, and then Honey said, “Jim, Chief Allen wants you to come to the precinct.”

Jim closed his eyes, swallowing hard. “When?”

“Whenever you are ready. I’ll go with you.”

He opened his eyes and looked at Katje. “She shouldn’t be alone.”

“Brian agreed to take her to Moms.” Honey leaned back. “Why don’t you change while I get her ready to go.”

“All right.” But Jim didn’t move.

“Jim, we really need to get going.”

“Okay.”

Two hours later, Honey and Jim were seated in Chief Allen’s office. The Chief had admitted that he had been up the entire night checking the information gathered from where the Jeep had been found.

“The damage to the Jeep makes it seem as if it was purposely knocked off the road,” Chief Allen said.

“Were there any witnesses who saw what happened?” Honey asked.

“No one has come forward at this time.”

“Has there been any sign of Trixie or Dan?” Jim asked. He had been quiet since their arrival, just listening to what was going on. He had asked hoping there was something to let him know they were all right.

Chief Allen looked at him. “Nothing yet.”

Closing his eyes, Jim let out a breath. That’s not what he wanted to hear.

“All the officers are keeping an eye out for both Mangan and Mrs. Frayne. There are also patrols keeping an eye on the scene in case someone returns.”

“Do you think someone will?” Honey asked.

“It’s possible.”

“So, you’re taking their disappearance serious?” Honey asked.

Jim opened his eyes and looked at the Chief as he said, “We’re taking this very seriously. When I found out that Mrs. Frayne was a private investigator and previously worked with the bureau, I alerted every precinct in the city and surrounding communities to be on guard.”

Chief Allen focused on Jim. “I’ve gotten to know Mangan and he is a dedicated, serious officer. If he was scheduled to work, he would be here. I know something or someone had to have been involved since he didn’t make it in.”

“That’s Dan,” Jim admitted.

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

“I was hoping you could give us some ideas in case they were taken by someone they knew,” Chief Allen said.

“That list is extensive,” Jim said.

“And probably most of those would be purposely aiming for Trixie,” Honey said.

“Now I remember her. She solved all those cases when she was a teenager.”

Jim smiled. “That’s our Trixie.”

“Well,” Honey began. “Let’s make a list of the people she has dealt with. Then we’ll eliminate them once we know there whereabouts.”

“Most of them should still be in jail,” Jim said.

“Let’s just make sure,” Chief Allen said.

Three hours later, Jim was pacing Chief Allen’s office. They had compiled a list from Dick the pickpocket to Jim’s stepfather, Jonesy, to Pierre Lontard. The checking was tedious, making calls confirming they were where they were supposed to be.

The dead ends were frustrating him. He wanted to know where his wife was and know she was all right.

As Honey hung up the phone after another call, an officer came in and handed Chief Allen a large envelope.

For some reason, Jim watched the Chief as he opened the envelope. Once the seal was broken, Chief Allen separated the sides and looked in. He turned the envelope over and dumped the contents into his hand.

As the Chief opened his hands, Jim saw there was a necklace and what appeared to be a wallet. Jim focused on the necklace. It was the one he had give Trixie for their anniversary.

He stepped over to the Chief and took the plastic bag holding the necklace, fingering the charm.  He looked closely and saw dried blood on it. The heart-shaped pendant was face down in his hand and he could read the inscription: “Trixie, I will love you forever. Jim.”

“This is hers,” Jim whispered.

“And this is Dan’s,” Chief Allen said.

Jim looked at Chief Allen and realized it was Dan’s badge and identification.

Chief Allen hit the intercom and called the officer back in.

Jim’s gaze returned to the necklace as he recalled the day he had given it to Trixie.

Jim and Trixie returned to the house following the anniversary celebration. Katje had been left at the Manor House with her grandparents so Jim and Trixie could have a quiet night alone.

Once inside, Trixie slipped out of her coat as Jim closed and locked the door. He turned to face her. “So we won’t be disturbed.”

Trixie smiled. “I like the sound of that.”

Jim slid his coat off and moved toward her, dropping his coat over the back of the chair. He pulled her close and gave her a long, sensuous kiss.

“I love you so much, Trixie Frayne.”

“I love you too, Jim Frayne.”

“I do have something for you for our anniversary.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I wanted to.” Jim reached into his pocket and pulled out a long, black velvet, rectangular box. “Happy anniversary, Trix.”

He watched her take the box with a shaking hand and pulled the white bow off. She opened the box and her mouth fell open. Inside the box was a gold necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. She flipped the pendant over and read the inscription.

She looked up at him. “Oh, Jim. It’s beautiful.”

“But it’s not as beautiful as you.”

Trixie looked up and caressed his cheek. “Thank you.” She leaned in and gave him a kiss.”

“Jim?” a voice asked, bringing him back to the present.

He blinked and saw Honey standing in front of him. Her face was pale. She reached over, took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “We will find them.”

Jim nodded his head, not trusting his voice.

“Where were these found?” Honey asked, having also recognized the jewelry as belonging to Trixie.

“It seems as if they were found on the ground near a dumpster near Central Park,” Chief Allen said. “I’ve got officers checking with people to see if they noticed anything.”

At that moment, Honey’s phone rang and she answered it. “Hello? Hi Mother. I’m glad you called.”

Jim mouthed, “I’ll tell them.”

“Hang on, Mother. Jim is here and he wants to talk to you.”

Honey covered the mouthpiece as she looked at him. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” Jim took the phone from her. “Hello, Mother.”

“Jim, how is everything? Honey’s message was vague so we were wondering what’s going on.”

“Dad’s there?”

“He is,” Madeleine Wheeler said.

“May I speak with him?” Jim asked trying to keep the emotion out of his voice.

“Of course. I’ll put him on.”

Jim closed his eyes as Honey put her arm around his waist.

“Jim?”

“Hi Dad.”

“Is everything all right?” Matthew Wheeler asked. “Your sister’s message didn’t tell us much.”

“Dad, I need you to sit down so I can tell you this.”

“Son, what is it?”

“Dad.”

“Okay. I’m sitting.”

Jim took a breath. “Dad, Trixie is missing.”

“What?”

Jim quickly explained what happened to his father who promised to tell Madeleine. After offering assurances that Trixie would be found and they would be home soon, the call was ended.

Handing the phone back to Honey, Jim felt emotionally drained. He wished he knew where his wife was.

“Jim,” Chief Allen said getting his attention.

“Yeah?”

“Why don’t you go on home and take care of your daughter? We’ll keep working here to find a lead to where she is.”

“Will you call us as soon as you find something?” Honey asked.

“Absolutely,” Chief Allen said.

“I’ll leave my cell number,” Honey said, writing on a piece of paper.

“That’s fine.” Chief Allen looked at Jim. “Keep your hopes up. I’ve heard about your wife and know she is the type of person who will fight for what she wants.”

Jim gave the Chief a small smile. “Thanks.”

He fingered the necklace one last time before handing it back to Chief Allen. As he did so, he felt as if that was his last moment with Trixie.

Continue to Part 2