Epilogue

Trixie and Honey wanted nothing more than to spend time with Jim. However, George Rainsford and Matthew Wheeler had whisked the young man away immediately after the reunion on the Wheeler’s verandah. To make things worse, they took Brian with them. The list of things to do seemed almost endless: a physical examination, tests, identification, preparation for court, arrangements for him to meet Julianna, clothing, and finding a place for him to stay until things were resolved.

“Moms, I’m just going to die if I can’t get permission to leave work to go to court with Jim,” Trixie moaned at breakfast on the appointed day.

Helen smiled. “You said Mr. Rainsford would call Captain Molinson and explain. I’m sure he’ll let you leave in time to arrive.

Trixie wished she felt as certain as her mother did, but as things turned out, her mother was right again. Molinson had only glanced at the letter from Mr. Rainsford, and indicated that Matthew Wheeler had called him as well. “What’s really going on, Belden? Is this something to do with one of your mysteries?”

“The very first one, sir,” she replied. “We finally found Mr. Frayne’s missing nephew.”

He let out a long low whistle and leaned back in his chair. “How did that happen?”

“Actually, sir, it was Bobby who found him. He was wandering in the preserve and he brought him up to Manor House.” It was the truth and the story that everyone agreed to stick with for the time being.

“Where has he been all these years?”

“He’s not sure all the places,” she told him, again sticking to the story. “He doesn’t remember what happened, but he remembered me and Honey. We recognized him right away. He hasn’t changed that much, he’s taller and thinner.” She shrugged. “Apparently, they may want us, me, and Honey, to testify that we believe it’s him.”

“Is it?” Molinson couldn’t refrain from curiosity. Everyone in Sleepyside was familiar with the disappearance of Jim Frayne. He knew Mr. Lytell had seen the boy, as well as the Wheeler groom Regan. It wasn’t just something the two young girls had made up back in the day. It was a case he’d often found himself wondering about over the years.

“Yes, sir. He knows things that only Jim could know. Conversations we had, that kind of thing.”

“I see. Well, be sure and check in after you get back to town and let me know how it turns out.”

“Thank you sir.” She turned to leave and stopped when he spoke again.

“Belden, one more thing.”

“Yes, sir,” she answered turning back around.

“You sound excited about the possibility of testifying in court.”

“Yes, I am,” she admitted. “It’s … well, it’s just something I’ve thought about.”

“Then take this advice,” he replied giving her a stern look. “Number one – only answer the question asked. Keep it short and simple, no matter how tempting it is to try to explain. Make them drag it out of you.”

She nodded. “Okay, anything else?”

“Yes, one more thing. Don’t volunteer anything. Make them ask. ”

“Understood, sir. Oh, and uh, thanks.”

 

 

She later repeated the advice to Honey who had nodded and told her that her father had told her the same thing at breakfast. As excited as they were to be in court to witness the event, most of their excitement stemmed from seeing Jim again as well as his cousin Julianna.

They sat quietly in the back row of the courtroom and observed. When George Rainsford arrived, he gave them a nod but didn’t stop to speak. He had Julianna with him, but Jim was nowhere in sight. She stopped to have a quiet word with the two girls.

“I met him and you were right, he’s a great guy. You’re both sure it’s him?”

They both nodded. “It’s absolutely him,” Trixie assured her. “He looks just the same, only taller and thinner. He doesn’t look like he’s had enough to eat.”

As agreed in Matthew Wheeler’s study, they did not tell Julianna about Jim being a frog. One day he might make the decision to tell her the story, but for now, it was best left alone.

Right before the judge entered the court room, Jim and Matthew Wheeler slipped in, sitting on Jonesy’s side of the courtroom, directly behind him, to avoid being seen.

When the court convened, it appeared to be a simple matter. “Mr. Rainsford, do you have an evidence to offer the court on the whereabouts or possible demise of James Winthrop Frayne II?”

Standing, the attorney replied in a respectful tone. “Yes, your honor. I do.”

“Then proceed.”

He turned to the side and while watching Eugene Jones carefully, he spoke. “Jim, will you please come forward?”

Jim stood and walked to the front of the courtroom and stood beside his attorney and the trustee of his estate.

“Your honor, James Winthrop Frayne II is, as you see, alive and well. I have all the paperwork, medical documents, and DNA evidence to submit to the court, that this indeed the great-nephew of James Frayne. He is twenty-two years of age and more than able to handle his affairs. He has retained me as his attorney to represent him in these proceedings and his cousin, Julianna Maasden Vorwald has signed this affidavit waiving all rights to the estate of James Winthrop Frayne.”

“But … but …” Jonesy stood, his face purpling in anger. “That’s not possible! He can’t possibly be Jim. Jim is …” he stopped and stared, hatred shooting from his eyes as his gaze boree into Jim’s.

“I can assure you, Mr. Jones, that this is indeed your stepson. If necessary, I have witnesses prepared to testify to this fact.”

The judge picked up the evidence substantiating Jim’s claim, including medical opinions citing blood tests as well as DNA.

“Mr. Jones,” the judge spoke as he perused the evidence submitted. “What makes you think that this man is not your stepson?”

“He can’t be! My stepson is … he’s not able to appear before the court!”

“Mr. Jones, I’m afraid you’re going to have to provide an explanation as to why you believe your stepson is not able to appear. You have sworn that you believe he perished at the time of the fire by some accident. Now you’re stating he’s not able to appear. Why is that?”

“Uh, because he’s dead, your honor?” The response sounded more like a question than an assertion.

The judge sighed. “Mr. Frayne, do you have any explanation as to your whereabouts the last seven years?” The judge peered at him over the top of his glasses. “Why have you waited until the last day and the day of this hearing to come forward?”

“Your honor, with all due respect, I think that question is best answered by Mr. Jones. He has been completely aware of my whereabouts the last seven years.” He took a step back and turned to look towards the man. “Isn’t that right, Stepfather?”

“Mr. Jones, is this true? Have you been aware of where Mr. Frayne has been the past seven years?”

“Your honor, this is a hoax! I’m telling you there is no way this man is Jim Frayne! Jim Frayne is, well your honor, as crazy as it might sound, Jim Frayne is a toad.”

“Objection!” George Rainsford stood his voice forceful and stern. “Your honor, this man has no right to impugn the honor of my client. Mr. Frayne has not been available to appear before this court and make his claim due to the completely unlawful detention and imprisonment at the hands of his stepfather, Eugene Jones.”

“This is a serious charge, Mr. Rainsford. Mr. Jones what do you have to say for yourself?”

“Tell them, Jonesy,” Jim taunted. “Tell them what you did to me.”

“He’s not Jim!” Jonesy shouted. “I’m telling you he’s not Jim! Jim Frayne is a frog. I know he’s a frog because I turned him into one myself. There is no way that this man is Jim Frayne. Don’t you think I’d know my own stepson?”

From this point on, Eugene Jones lost all ability to communicate rationally. He ranted and raved, most of his speech unintelligible until the judge finally asked that the bailiff to restrain him and take him into custody, ordering a police investigation into the matter.

“Mr. Frayne, do you have any additional explanation to add before the court this morning?”

“Sir, uh, your honor. My stepfather, Eugene Jones, imprisoned me seven years ago after he discovered me at my Uncle’s property after the fire he created from his cigarette. I moved around to many different places over the last seven years, and there are times I have no idea where I was.” Jim had reconciled himself to this story, in most part because the way he presented it to the judge it was the truth. Bobby moved him many times and he had no idea where he was. He was fortunate that the boy had always let him go in an area close enough to the Wheeler’s lake or the brook behind Crabapple Farm that he could find his bearings.

“Yesterday, my friend’s younger brother found me in the woods behind Manor House. He recognized me from the description his sister had given him and a picture her friend had sketched. He found his sister, Trixie Belden and her friend Honey Wheeler and they took me to Manor House, that’s where Matthew Wheeler and his family live in Sleepyside. They knew Mr. Rainsford and basically are responsible for my freedom.” All of this was true as well.

The judge wanted to hear from the friends, so both Honey and Trixie were summoned to the witness stand for questioning by the judge. They also were able to testify by giving truthful statements.

“What condition was Mr. Frayne in when you found him?” the judge asked Trixie.

“Your honor, it was deplorable. He was filthy, covered in mud and slime, and completely naked.” She answered truthfully. “Mr. Wheeler was able to help him get cleaned up, provided him some clothes and he told us the story of his imprisonment the last seven years. He tried to escape several times but factors always seemed to work against him.”

“What kind of factors?” the judge asked.

“The weather, for one, sir. It would be very hard to escape from a prison in the middle of winter if you didn’t have any clothes.”

In the end, it was enough. Jim, Honey, Trixie, and George Rainsford all told the truth when answering the judge. They never had to allude to, or indicate that for seven long years, Jim had been imprisoned as a common frog. Afterwards, they returned to the Wheeler penthouse to celebrate and await the arrival of the rest of the Bobwhites for a party.

“What will I do now, Mr. Rainsford?” Jim asked. “I’m 22 years old. Will I have to go back to high school at this point?”

George laughed. “No, I don’t think so, Jim. I can imagine with only a little brushing up, you can pass the exam and obtain a General Equivalency Diploma. You were already accepted to college when you were abducted, even had a small scholarship. In view of the circumstances, I’m sure if you’re interested, the college will take you now. People of all ages attend college.”

“I’ve already started the arrangements, Jim. While we work things out, we’d love to have you live with us at Manor House. Honey’s former governess still works for me as an estate manager, and she is more than willing to tutor you for the GED exam. That will give you time to get adjusted and make some decisions.”

“That’s very generous of you sir,” Jim replied. “But I can afford to rent –”

“Jim, it’s what we had planned to do seven years ago,” Matthew explained. “Your father went to school with me, and Grace and I, my wife, we had set the wheels in motion with Mr. Rainsford here to adopt you. There was no way you were ever going back to live with that devil who calls himself Jones.”

“If you’re sure, sir.”

“Matthew, Jim. Call me Matthew. Not to mention …” he cast an amused glance toward Trixie who had held Jim’s hand through much of the celebration. “I think that someone might have something to say if I were to let you leave the area now.”

Trixie flushed, but Jim squeezed her hand, reassuring her of his feelings.

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. I think it’s going to take some time to figure things out.”

As the celebration wound down, there was one word of caution from George Rainsford. “All of you here today, you were there and witnessed Jim’s transformation. It’s doubtful that anyone who wasn’t present will ever believe the story of where Jim has been the last seven years. I’d like to caution you, all of you, not to discuss this with anyone who wasn’t there. It’s in Jim’s best interest that everyone believe Mr. Jones is suffering from mental hallucinations as the result of being found out to be Jim’s captor.”

“We won’t tell, Mr. Rainsford,” Trixie promised. “Besides, I don’t think anyone would believe us if we did.”

“Most likely not, which is all the more reason to be discreet. It may sound easy now, but don’t have too much to drink at a party and start boasting about things. It would be all too easy for this to become tabloid fodder of the craziest kind.”

His audience recognized that the advice was sound, and each listener took it to heart. As everyone prepared to leave, Jim asked if he could have a few moments alone with Trixie. For the first time since Jim had returned to his human form, they found themselves alone together.

“You understand that not just anyone could have broken that spell, don’t you?” Jim asked as he held her hand and looked into her eyes.

She bit her lip and nodded.

“And I realize from the things you’ve said over the years, you never sold that ring and bought a horse like I told you to, did you?”

She smiled and shook her head. “We used the reward money we received from capturing Dick the Dip to buy another horse. I didn’t need to sell it. Not to mention, you had to have heard that day at the lake, your aunt’s ring is quite valuable. I should probably return it to you.”

“No way!” Jim answered immediately. “What you should probably do is start wearing it. Right here, on this finger.”

He caressed the fourth digit of her left hand.

She blew out her breath. “Wow! You don’t waste any time, do you?”

He shook his head. “I’ve already lost seven years, Trixie Belden. I’m not going to lose any more. I’ve been around. I heard the things you told Diana and Honey, and even a few things you told that horse you bought. Susie, I think her name is. By the way, she’s just as crazy about you as you are about her.”

“You … you talked to Susie? My horse?” She dropped his hands and took a step back. She’d been there, kissed a frog, and found Jim, but he was still surprising her.

“Yes, and so have you. So I already know how you feel about me, as if those kisses and the fact that I’m standing here didn’t already tell me.” He leaned into her and brushed a kiss across her lips.

“Okay, still a human, that’s good, right?”

“Hmmm, that’s good, but is it really the best you can do?”

“Not even close.” This time he pulled her close and began with a short nip, then a lingering kiss, and then a kiss that had her tingling down to her toes. She finally stepped back with a gasp. It was better than she’d ever dreamed.

“Jim, I …” she stopped and turned bright red. “Ohmigod!” Her hand flew to her mouth as realization dawned on her. “You took a shower with me! You’ve seen me naked!”

He grinned and nodded. “Yes, I have. And you’ve seen me naked as well. So we’re even. But that does beg one question I might need answered.”

“What?” she replied, her hand still over her mouth.

“Do you always shave your –”

Her hand quickly moved from her mouth to cover his and stop the question. She shook her head. “Don’t say it! But to answer your question …” she leaned forward and said in a low tone. “Only in the summer.”

He laughed and pulled her close for a kiss, a long deep kiss that melted her bones. She raised her hands to his shoulders. He deepened the kiss even more, and finally, they broke apart. She was gasping for breath. “What are we going to do now?” she asked. “What do you think …?”

He shrugged. “I’m not sure, but whatever it is, we’re going to do it together. You’re going to marry me as soon as we figure it out, I know that much.”

“I am?” she asked. Then realized it wasn’t a question at all. She was going to marry him, as soon as it made sense. She changed the inflection from a question to a declaration. “Yes, I am. We’ll figure it out.”

There are a couple of other things you should know,” Jim said as he draped an arm around her shoulder and they walked to rejoin their friends.

“Like what?” she said.

“When it comes to kissing, frogs are very good at holding their breath. I can hold mine for a long time.”

“Hmmm, that’s good to know.” She smiled up at him. “Anything else?”

“Yes, one more thing. I need you to promise me something, and it’s very important. It might be the only thing I ever insist on, but it’s important.”

“What? That I won't kiss any more frogs?”

“No. That we never …” He paused and gave her a serious look. “This is important to me, Trix.”

Her brow knit, she took a deep breath and nodded. “I understand, I'm sure it'll be okay, Jim.”

“Promise me that we’ll never eat frog legs!”