Simple It's Not

Simple it's not,
I'm afraid you will find,
For a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

 

“It doesn’t matter how old you are! I am still your mother and you will take a nap. You sound whinier than Bobby ever did.” Helen gave her only daughter a look that clearly indicated the matter was not open for discussion. It had been years since she had to use that particular tone with Trixie.

“Yes, Moms,” Trixie answered meekly. She refused to admit that the emotional upheaval she had experienced was taking its toll. Her meeting with Molinson had rocked her already unstable world. Dan had shocked her by standing up for Jim. Honey had been the perfectly perfect best friend. But the fact remained, she was still confused … and now her own mother she was treating her as if she was six years old.

Having surrendered the point, Trixie allowed Moms to lead her to the comfortable sofa, cover her with a soft blanket and insert a Christmas movie into the player. Soon, the restless night and emotional roller coaster she had been riding caught up with her, and she fell into a restful and dreamless sleep. Boisterous male voices awakened her several hours later, shortly before dinner. Bobby and his roommates from Syracuse noisily entered the farmhouse. Trixie pushed herself up, happy to see her younger brother and his friends.

Dinner was a merry affair. Helen had prepared a feast equal to the Bob-White gatherings of old, and the crowd from Syracuse consumed food in a manner that mimicked Mart’s voracious appetite. Fortunately, Moms was well prepared to deal with the appetites of four college athletes.

The quartet regaled Trixie and her parents with a variety of tales from their football season. Trixie smiled tentatively as the stories started but before dinner was over, she was laughing spontaneously at the wilder stories. Helen excused herself to bring in the pie she had made.

Trixie looked over her shoulder a few moments later. “Do you think Moms needs some help?”

“I’ll give her a hand, Trixie.” Peter Belden moved to join his wife in the kitchen.

“What’s wrong, Helen?” Peter Belden asked a few moments later as his arms encircled Helen’s waist.

“Trixie laughed,” she whispered to her husband, struggling to maintain her composure. “She actually laughed for the first time since it happened.”

“Oh, Helen!” Peter’s arms went around his wife and he pulled her close in a hug. “You said Bobby’s friends would be the perfect medicine.”

“I know. Peter, we are so lucky. Bobby’s friends are such good kids. They remind me of the Bob-Whites, you know without the mysteries.”

Peter smiled knowingly. “Personally, I think the credit for the good kids should be given to their mother.”

Helen turned around and gave him a weak smile. “Maybe the kids’ father had a little to do with it.”

“Maybe,” he admitted. “But I think their Mother used her artistic talent to paint living works of art instead of inanimate paintings. You did a good job, Helen.” He kissed her, rubbing her arms.

“Oh, Peter. The kids are just in the next room,” she protested.

“I know where the kids are, Helen. It won’t hurt them to wait a moment for their dessert.”

“Later!” she replied swatting his arm. “You’ll get your dessert later!”

 

 

The four football players insisted on cleaning up. They ran Helen and Peter out of the kitchen insisting they relax and go for a drive to look at Christmas lights then quickly cleared the dining room table. When she moved into the kitchen with them to help, the men surprised her insisting she sit at the table, refusing to allow her to assist them. They made it clear that they wanted to talk.

“Tell us everything, Trixie,” Bobby urged. “We want to help you solve this mystery.”

Trixie stared. She knew her younger brother had no idea how badly she had been abused. She had insisted he not be told since she didn’t want him to be distracted from the last football game of his regular season. Opening her mouth and then shutting it, she stared helplessly at her hands.

“Bobby, there’s not much to tell. Jonesy and his cohort showed up at my apartment, conked me on the head, and waited for Jim so they could do the same thing to him. They took us to the clubhouse and Jonesy roughed me up and beat Jim just like he used too. I managed to get to his gun and then … well you know the rest.”

“How did you manage to get his gun?” Moose asked her.

Trixie shook her head, “I uh, just got lucky.”

“When’s your friend Jim going to get here? He’ll tell us the full story. Did you use one of the moves the FBI taught you? We’ll need Jim too, if we’re going to get the full story.” Thump asked her next.

Trixie shook her head, refusing to look up. “Jim’s not going to be here.”

Bobby’s head jerked up and he gave her a sharp glance. “Why? He’s not still working nights at the school.”

The kitchen was deathly silent. Trixie continued her downward stare. Her throat seemed suddenly tight and she couldn’t seem to speak.

Bobby moved to stand next to her, an arm going around her shoulder. “What’s wrong between you and Jim?”

“I can’t tell you.” Her whisper was strained.

“I can tell you,” Honey spoke from the doorway. The group had been so busy they hadn’t heard her enter.

“Honey…” Trixie started.

“Jim called. He seems to think that neither one of us is ever going to speak to him again.” Honey’s stare gave more than a hint of her message.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” Bobby exchanged glances with his pals before looking at his sister. “All that work we did to get you together and now you won’t even talk to him!”

“What do you mean, all the work to get them together?” Honey demanded.

“Yes, by all means, Bobby. Tell Honey about your diabolical plan to trap Jim and me in an elevator.” Trixie played along, knowing Honey had only learned of the story that morning. She fleetingly wondered what strategy her friend had decided to employ.

“Oh, you know about that,” Bobby answered as four guilty faces exchanged looks.

“Yes, I know about that,” Trixie replied, with an indignant toss of her head.

“We just kinda helped Di out with this plan she had.” Moose tried to explain.

“Di! Do you mean she was involved?” Honey said, pretending to be stunned to learn this bit of news.

Kevin started to speak, but Bobby held up a hand to stop him. “We were all in on it, Honey. We just wanted to make them talk to each other. Everyone knew if they would just talk to each other, they would end up together.”

“Well, to tell you the truth, it doesn’t bother me. I’m not saying you should’ve done it, but I understand.” Trixie looked at Bobby like he was six again and in more trouble than he could ever remember.

Bobby grinned, knowing he could deal with the rest. “So why does Jim think you’re never going to speak to him again?”

Trixie shook her head, still not sure how to deal with the news that Jim and Dan had known about Jonesy.

“Jim and Dan knew that Jonesy was out on parole,” Honey said quietly, studying her best friend as she spoke. “Jim wanted to wait a couple of days before he told us, because of Thanksgiving holidays.”

Bobby sat down. “Why did Jim want to wait?”

“The holidays, it would put a damper on things, you know…” Trixie waved her hand airily as she spoke. “Why ruin a nice thanksgiving holiday?”

Honey nodded. “He rambled on with me too, but when I pushed him he really couldn’t come up with anything too important.”

“So what does Dan say?” Moose asked the question. He liked the young police detective upon meeting him for the first time when Dan accompanied Jim’s school to Syracuse. They had talked a long time together about careers in law enforcement.

“It’s a male code, they have to stick together.” Trixie answered, her eyes narrowed, as she took in the four of them. “You’ll probably agree with them.”

It was clear if the four males took Jim’s side in this, Trixie would cut them out of helping her. Kevin spoke first; he was the most tactful one of the four.

“We can’t really break the male code, Trix. You know how it is. Honey probably agrees with Jim, too. But publicly she’s going to take your side and follow the rules of all things female.”

Kevin had no way of knowing he had hit a homerun with his comment. Honey did agree … and the two friends knew that publicly she would take Trixie’s side. Somehow the two girls stifled knowing giggles.

“Okay, Bobby.” Trixie spoke up, taking in the group of guys as she answered. “Let’s all six of us agree that what goes on between Jim and me has nothing to do with the case.”

“Heck, no!” Moose beat his friend to the answer. “We worked too hard to get you and Jim together for the two of you to break up over what that stupid slime ball did to both of you. You can go and work on the mystery, we don’t care if you get Scooby-Doo and friends to help you, but we’ll be working to get you and Jim back together!”

Trixie was taken aback. Moose’s words left her speechless!

Honey smothered a giggle resulting in a furious glare from Trixie.

Trixie’s eyes narrowed as she watched Honey clearly exert effort to control herself, however it was fruitless. Honey burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Trixie demanded looking at her friend.

“You!” Honey laughed helplessly. “If you could just see your face!”

Bobby and his friends joined her and they collectively ignored Trixie’s scowl.

“Listen, little sister.” Kevin was the first to settle down. He crossed to where Trixie sat, taking a seat on the other side of her from Bobby. Lifting up her good hand, he peered at her solemnly. “You have to understand how many hours of planning that elevator escapade took. We had to agree to help our buddy Otis for a month afterwards! Not to mention how demanding the lovely Lady Di can be. Do you know, she actually demanded we practice our lines?” His disgust was obvious. “It was almost impossible to find a way to get you down there and if Coach hadn’t told BB he could start the game, I don’t know what we would’ve done. Di probably would’ve deliberately broken Mart’s leg or something, to force you into being a last minute substitute.”

“He’s right.” Thump spoke next with a smile for Trixie. “Di even made us late to one of our practices. Do you have any idea how many laps coach makes you run for every second that you’re late for practice?”

“We have too much invested in you and Jim, Trixie.” Bobby took up their story. “I want him to be my brother. That will make Honey even more my real sister.” He winked at Honey. “We want to help you work on this case, but if you want us to agree to stay out of things between you and Jim -- no deal.”

The atmosphere grew tense as the guys exchanged uneasy looks. Moose finally broke the growing tension.

“Oh, by the way, Trixie is there an elevator at Frayler anywhere?” he asked in an innocent tone.

It was too much; Trixie gave in and started giggling as well before the group erupted into laughter.

The group broke up on that note. Back from the drive, Helen came in and made sure everyone had a suitable room assignment. The boys began arguing over who should stay where and left the kitchen to check out Bobby’s room. Honey took the opportunity to whisper a few words to Trixie.

“I really didn’t trust the telephone for this. Liz is checking it out with a forensic computer search first. She swears if he really was working somewhere, she’ll find it. She said to tell you she’ll start with the truck farm angle since the parole officer remembered that much.”

“Do you think we should tell Dan what’s going on?” Trixie asked.

“Didn’t you tell me that Molinson made it clear it was okay to let the Bob-Whites in on this?” Honey asked, obviously perplexed.

“Yeah, it was clear. But that can’t include Bobby and his buddies.”

“I agree. But why are you hesitating about Dan?”

Trixie studied her fingers, refusing to meet her friend’s eyes.

Honey groaned. “Trixie, we talked about this. You’re not going to hold it against Dan that he didn’t tell you.”

“No, of course not.” Trixie shook her head before meeting Honey’s gaze. “Will it put him in a bad position? What if the bad cop is someone he knows, a friend or something?”

“Listen, it has to be a Sleepyside cop,” Honey insisted. “I’ve thought about this. We’re lucky to have Dan here because of this task force. Spider, too. Molinson is thrilled to be working with them. And besides, you told me he said he trusted both of those cops with his life.”

“I guess. We’ll tell them all, Honey. But we have to be extra careful. No discussing things on the phone. Let’s get the office checked out for listening devices.”

“Do you really think that’s necessary?” Honey’s surprise was evident. “Was that why you wouldn’t talk in the office today?”

“Yes,” Trixie replied immediately. “Honey, Molinson was extra careful not to be seen with me in any role other than as if he were placating me. If he’s going the extra mile, so are we. Who do you think could help us get the office checked without arousing suspicion?”

“I’ll take care of that,” Honey declared. “You take care of making things right with Jim.”

“Honey,” Trixie warned.

“No, you listen to me. I had to hear it from him … and Trixie, he is really upset. He had appointments all day today in the city. He thinks you’re breaking things off with him over this.”

“I told him I just needed some time!”

“Trixie, please don’t break his heart.” Honey implored, grasping Trixie’s arm. “He blames himself. Oh, hell, all of us blame ourselves instead of blaming the person we should.”

“Who should we blame, Honey?” Trixie asked guiltily, knowing it was herself.

“Everyone knows who’s to blame in all this,” Honey replied, shaking her head.

“Oh?” Trixie inquired, tilting her head to one side, an inquisitive eyebrow raised. “Everyone knows?”

“The only person to blame is Jonesy.”

 

 

“Pass the syrup, please.” Kevin’s voice was polite.

“How many waffles are you going to eat this morning?” Bobby asked his roommate.

“Robert Belden!” Helen admonished, “Kevin may eat as many waffles as he likes. If necessary I’ll mix up some more batter.”

“Moms, I didn’t mean it like that,” Bobby’s voice was contrite

Trixie pushed the door open just in time to hear his statement. She smiled as she pushed her hair out of her face. Bobby and his friends were a rare treat for her these days. They were among the few who treated her just as they always had.

“Trixie!” Helen exclaimed, standing up. “Where have you been? I thought you were upstairs, sleeping in.”

“No, I decided I was getting out of shape and I needed to get back into running,” Trixie explained. “It was really more of a very fast walk, though, today.”

“Oh, Trixie! Are you sure? I mean did the doctor say it was okay? You seem much too thin to be running,” Helen bit her lip, realizing too late that Trixie would not appreciate her smothering.

“Moms, it’s okay, I promise,” Trixie said softly. “I would love a waffle, though. That walk made me hungry.”

“More waffles coming up, sweetie.” Helen moved back to her waffle iron while Bobby and his friends exchanged looks.

“So how far did you manage to make it today?” Kevin asked conversationally, patting the space next to him.

“Not far enough,” she admitted. “It sure didn’t take long to lose my momentum. I did manage a mile, though. It will be well after the first of the year before I’m back to ten miles.”

“Why don’t you run with Jim?” Bobby suggested. “He only does five miles a day.”

“Bobby!” Trixie warned.

“Cut it out, Trix,” he told her bluntly. ‘We told you last night, we don’t care if you’re trippin’ about this or not, we’re not going to leave you and Jim alone.”

“We’re going up there later this morning,” Thump volunteered. “We’re going to help with the boys, teach them some football throws and things. Why don’t you go with us?”

 

 

Up at the school, Jim Frayne stood in his office, looking out the window. He still felt out of sorts, blaming his mood on doctor visits and tests instead of the tension that had developed between him and his special girl. He had made it through breakfast with his six students and then to his office to review the mound of paperwork that awaited him with his deputy administrator, Margery Trask.

“It’s both good news and bad news from the state,” she told him, setting a folder on his desk and frowning as his back.

“What’s the bad news?” he said automatically.

“The state insists that any boy whose family wants him home for the holidays must be released to the family’s custody.”

Jim swore under his breath.

Margery said nothing. Jim knew she shared on his feelings on this. She had asked Captain Molinson and the Mayor if they would send a letter of support to the state officials.

“For how long?” Jim finally asked.

“Forty-eight hours,” she replied. “It could be worse, I suppose.”

“If that’s the bad news … then what’s the good news?” He wondered aloud, still staring out the window, doing his best to keep his thoughts from dwelling on the inquisitive blonde down the road.

“The state wants to send you six more students after the first of the year, maybe more if you’ll take them.”

Jim nodded. Frayler was positioned to grow, if he could just find the time to recruit and hire more staff. He felt it important to be personally involved in the staffing of his school, even though Margery had long proven herself to be stellar in the hiring and firing of personnel.

“How are we going to find more help?” he asked.

“I have a few ideas,” she told him.

She finally had his full attention. He turned to look at her, “Tell me.”

Jim sat down at his desk to listen to his deputy. Margery sketched out her ideas about keeping the apartments for the student life counselors and recommended building new houses on the school grounds for married couples. “You have the land, Jim,” she concluded. “You’ll find it much easier to recruit couples if you can provide them a house instead of an apartment, especially if they have kids of their own.”

He scrutinized her expression, wondering where she included herself in that mix. At last he decided to ask. “Are you going to be one of the married couples that would prefer a house?”

For the first time since she had known Jim Frayne, Margery Trask blushed like a sixteen-year old school girl. He leaned back in his chair with a genuine grin. Well at least one of us seems to be lucky in love these days!

“No … at least not that I know of …” her voice trailed off as she noticed Jim’s grin. It was the grin of the carefree young college boy, the summer he had been home from the university and had decided to take the time off instead of working. He had enjoyed himself that summer. She smiled back before she finally spoke, “Jim Frayne! You are incorrigible!” Her voice belied her words.

“Sorry, Marge.” He apologized. “I just think the idea of you and Captain Molinson is … well … he might be good enough for you.”

“Thank you, Jim. However, the couple I had in mind was Mart and Diana. I’m certain they’ll want to start a family eventually and I think it will help you if they remain close by. In addition, you may find another couple, someone like Mart and Diana that have a desire to work with children. Couples who would like to escape the rat race of the city but still have access to the conveniences it offers.”

“You sound as if you have someone in mind,” he probed.

“Yes, you might remember him, but it’s been a long time. Ron Duncan – his wife, Kristen is a librarian – I think he would jump at the chance for a job like this. But they have a three-year-old son and I think they will want a house.”

Jim’s forehead creased as he tried to place the name – Ron Duncan. He snapped his fingers, “Knut’s friend, or at least his ex-wife’s brother.”

“Correct, you do remember him. You met him briefly in Idaho. I know about him through Helen. And, of course, Mr. Lytell knows everyone and somehow manages to keep up with who’s who, even the Idaho connection.”

Jim was having second thoughts – maybe he should put Marge in charge of hiring staff. Suddenly he could clearly her serving in that role for everyone from Bill Gates to the President of the United States.

“Margery – you seem to have a real knack for finding staff. You found Samara Burns, and convinced Regan he could do this job as well as managing the Wheeler stables. Would you consider being my chief-of-staff? I mean, take on the responsibility for recruiting and locating staff?”

“Jim, are you sure you want this?” she asked.

“As long as you agree that I get to interview the candidates and you’ll consider my input, then yes, I’m sure.”

“Okay,” she said briskly. “I’m going to fly Ron and Kristin out here as soon as they’ll agree. Before Christmas, if possible,” she warned.

“It’s your responsibility. Sam’s going to need help in the kitchen if we double the students.”

“Yes, and that’s another benefit in building the houses for staff on the grounds. Sam won’t have to cook for them!”

“You win, Marge. I’m convinced. If you can get the right people, I’ll commit to building homes on the school property for married staff. And Marge, we agree - don’t we – no unmarried couples?”

“Absolutely, we want to set an example. We should not rule out housing for single employees eventually. Some may prefer it over the apartments.”

“Okay, we’ll play it by ear. Now, get me staff in here to interview!”

“Consider it done, Dr. Frayne.” Her eyes twinkled at him. “I think a walk-through is in order this morning,” she said standing to leave.

He nodded, “I’ll drop in on the classes. If you need me just call my cell --” he broke off. His cell phone was still somewhere at the Sleepyside police department. “Just let Betty know, she’ll find me.”

Margery nodded, and left.

There’s something I should remember, something about that phone! Jim finally shook his head. The memory simply wouldn’t come. He left his office with a quick word to his office administrator, Betty Newsome, and decided to check on the current class. If his staff had kept everything on schedule then this week’s lessons should focus on more holiday- oriented themes than usual.

Jim observed from the door as Mart reviewed with the students the different ways Christmas traditions in countries around the world. The white board was covered with phrases for “Merry Christmas” in over a dozen different languages. The school was on schedule and he knew Di would continue the lesson plan in the next class with the making of a piñata which was scheduled to be broken on Christmas Eve. Brad should be in the large barn outside working on setting up the completion of the woodcraft community service project Jim had coordinated with the local Boy Scout troop. That would be the extent of “lessons” for that day. He had planned a surprise for the afternoon, when Bobby and his friends would come to Frayler and spend the afternoon coaching the students in the fundamentals of football. He smiled as he remembered how happy Tad had been to learn of those plans. He privately believed Tad was looking forward to the afternoon activity more than his students would.

Jim wasn’t sure how long he had been watching the class. At some point, his mind had wandered and moved on to daydreaming about his special girl. A tap on the shoulder startled him out of his reverie.

“Dr. Frayne, you have a visitor,” Mrs. Newsome whispered, not wanting to disturb the class.

“Some woman, she didn’t have a card. She said it was official business, though and it would be helpful if she could speak to you today.”

“Didn’t you get her name?” Jim was surprised that his usually efficient secretary had neglected such a detail.

“Well, of course, I would’ve asked her that. Unfortunately I had stepped out of the office for a few moments and Mrs. Professor Belden was covering for me. She offered to come and tell you, but she didn’t want to go back in and ask the woman’s name again.”

“Well, everything is under control here. Let’s go see what our visitor needs from me this morning.

Jim and his secretary chatting about the upcoming Christmas program as they walked back towards his office. He failed to notice the furtive glance Betty gave over her shoulder.

“Hello, Jim.” Trixie spoke, just as the door shut behind Jim with a click.

Jim turned and frowned at the door.

“Trixie, what are you doing here? What’s going on?”

“Bobby and his friends have locked the door.” She replied with a careless shrug.

“But why?” he wondered. “Trixie, if you don’t want to be here --”

She shook her head as she responded. “It was my idea to be here. Bobby and his friends are just being funny.” She gestured to take in his office, “I insisted this would be more comfortable for us than an elevator and they agreed. Jim, I would really like to talk with you right now, if you have time.”

“I always have time for you, Trix,” he replied, not moving from his spot. His hands found their way inside his pockets as he stared at her.

Trixie was quiet; as if she hardly knew where to start. She finally spoke. “Jim, it’s really important for me to tell you something. It might be long, but would you please just listen and not interrupt?”

“Yes, if that’s what you want,” he answered carefully, with heaviness in his chest that was almost painful. She’s going to break it off!

“Jim, I was unfair to you, in the stable the other day. For days I had wanted to see you, to make sure for myself that you were okay. We kept missing each other and somehow, it made me feel like you were avoiding me, that you didn’t want me … like that … anymore.”

Jim opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when he saw the look on Trixie’s face.

“When you told me about that you knew Jonesy was out of prison and didn’t tell me right away, I was stunned.” She held up a hand, to keep him from interrupting. “I wanted to believe it was because you were trying to protect me, but even that was just an excuse. When it comes to you, to us … well I want to tell you everything about me and my life and my business and my friends, and… well, do you know what I mean?”

Jim nodded, remembering his promise not to speak.

Trixie took a deep breath. “I want to apologize to you. Just because I would’ve told you right away, doesn’t mean that you want to tell me everything right away and my reaction was just an excuse. Just because I would’ve done it differently doesn’t make me right and you wrong, it just makes us different.”

The room was silent for several moments before Jim spoke. “Are you finished?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Is that all you’re going to say?” he demanded.

“What else is there?” she said, obviously bewildered.

“You said that you thought I didn’t want you.”

Trixie shook her head. “Jim, I was so confused. When everyone told me you didn’t remember what happened, it never occurred to me that you couldn’t remember anything that happened. For some reason, I thought it was just parts of it you didn’t remember, and then when we didn’t talk or see each other, well, I thought what I had done… repulsed you.”

“Trixie, I don’t know what you could have done that would have repulsed me,” Jim declared. “But you said you couldn’t tell me what happened, what am I supposed to do?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted in a small voice.

“Trixie, do you have any idea how I feel about you?” he asked her gently.

“I thought I did… before Jonesy that day… I thought I did.” Trixie said blinking her eyes rapidly.

“Well, this part is easy, so let’s just get it out of the way. I love you more today than I did yesterday. When I wake up tomorrow, I’m going to love you more than I did today. I think about you so much that the students don’t have to worry about missed assignments, lost library books or unmade beds. They don’t have a clue that right now, they could get away with almost anything… and if they figure it out then I’ll have lost total control over them,” he admitted.

“Oh!” Her eyes widened in shock.

“Trixie, there is nothing you could tell me about what happened that day that will change how I feel about you.”

“Not even the fact that I sh--” Trixie started.

“Nothing!” Jim interrupted emphatically. He covered the few steps towards her to close the gap between them and picked up her hand. Pulling her towards the sofa in his office, he gestured for her to sit as he moved to sit next to her.

“Trixie, no matter what happens with you and me and our future, I will never, ever tell you anything but the absolute truth, about anything!”

“Anything?” she asked, with a look of relief and joy on her face.

“Anything!” he affirmed.

“Even if I ask you if my clothes make my butt look big?” she continued, the blue eyes starting to twinkle.

“If you really want to know that, then yes… wait just a minute.” He paused as relief washed over him. “I said I would tell the truth and no, I’ll never answer that question honestly if you ask me. Besides, I happen to think you have a cute butt.”

“Jim, am I forgiven?” Her voice trembled a little.

“There is nothing to forgive,” he said simply.

“But, Jim, you were right not to tell me, just because –“

“Trixie,” he interrupted, placing a finger to her lower lip. He took a few moments to caress her soft lips, reveling in how it felt to touch her like that.

“Listen, Trix. You have your way of handling things. I have my way of handling things. That doesn’t mean one of us is right and the other is wrong.”

“Oh, Jim! That’s what I was trying to tell you! I understand you were just handling it your way. Does that mean you forgive me?”

“Trixie, for the last time, there’s nothing to forgive.”

She smiled shyly at him, “Does that mean we don’t get to kiss and make up?”

“Well, when you put it like that…” he admitted, leaning forward to brush her lips with his own.

They were interrupted by a muffled noise and Jim pulled back and looked at Trixie. “Did you hear that?”

“Yes, it sounded like someone was outside,” she said turning her head and staring suspiciously toward the window of Jim’s office.

“Bobby?” he whispered.

“Probably,” she answered, whispering in return.

He stood first and pulled Trixie up with him. The two of them crept quietly toward the window before peeking out. Sure enough, Bobby and his friends were once again peeking in, two of them standing on the shoulders of the other two so they could get a good view inside through the high window.

Jim laughed and with a mock salute to the football players, pulled the blinds shut.

He turned to Trixie and smiled, “You’re not mad about the elevator, are you?”

“Are you kidding? The elevator was the best thing my brothers ever did for me,” she said, reaching up to give him a kiss.

“Good! I agree. Now, I don’t have any appointments this morning,” Jim smiled suggestively as his head tilted towards the sofa.

“Hmmm, me either.” She smiled. “But the sofa’s too far away!” She grinned and pushed him into his desk chair, plopping down in his lap. He winced as her weight hit his leg, but since the twinge of pain quickly subsided, he said nothing as his arms went around her.

“I take it back, I think I have an appointment with you,” Jim murmured as he nuzzled her neck.

“Jim, there are still other things, I need to tell you,” Trixie said softly, pulling back for a moment.

“Not yet, Trixie. I’m not through with my, ahh, appointment yet.” Jim said, blissfully ignorant of what she had learned from Molinson. His strong fingers reached to tug his favorite curl.