Step With Care

So be sure when you step
Step with care and great tact
And remember that life's a great balancing act.

 

“Don’t make a special trip for me. Bobby and his friends said I could ride with them tonight.” Trixie spoke confidently into the phone.

“They’re coming?” Jim’s voice held a hint of surprise.

“Of course, it’s like you told me. The Frayler Christmas Program is the premier social event of this year’s holiday season. They wouldn’t miss it.” Trixie’s voice dropped and her tone became more seductive, “and I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

“You’ll still be my date tonight, remember?” Jim asked. “I know how Bobby’s friends are; they’ll make you sit with them, insisting you’re their date!”

Trixie thought for a fleeting moment that she detected a touch of jealousy in his voice. “It makes it easier for you if I ride with them. Don’t worry; I’ll still be your date,” she assured him.

“And you promise to sit with me, on the front row?” he demanded.

“Yes, I’ll sit with you.”

“And you’ll get here early?”

“Jim! I won’t get there at all if you don’t let me get ready,” Trixie teased.

“Okay, Trix. I’ll see you tonight.”

 

 

The entrance hall to Frayler Academy had been decorated to the hilt. Trixie suspected that Mart had been deliberately liberal with the holly and mistletoe. From the wreaths on the front doors to the towering Christmas tree, anyone arriving at the school would have little doubt that Frayler was celebrating Christmas.

“Merry Christmas, Ms. Belden!” Benji’s greeting was enthusiastic as Steven handed her a program. The excitement on their faces was obvious.

Trixie moved to speak to Honey and Brian, who were loitering in the foyer.

“Merry Christmas, Brian!” Trixie gave her brother a brief hug. “So you managed to be off tonight, huh?”

“Of course. This is my primary job, Trix!” he reminded her, carefully holding her hand as he studied her.

“They needed Mart backstage for a moment so we promised to… how did he put it… oh yes, linger discreetly in the background until he returns.” Honey advised with a wink.

“Right! He wants to be sure any dignitaries arriving early receive an appropriate greeting,” Brian added.

Trixie frowned at Brian, who was still holding her hand. It dawned on her then that he was trying to check her pulse and respiration.

“Would you knock it off!” she hissed under her breath. “I’m fine!” She was more than a little surprised at the concern she saw in his face.

“I’m sorry, Trix.” Brian’s voice was contrite.

His apology was so sincere that she opened her mouth to tell him to forget it when Tad Webster spoke to her.

“Hey, Trix! Glad you could make it!”

Trixie turned to speak with Tad and Jim’s intern, Brad Thomas, for a few moments before she excused herself. She wanted to find Jim.

Pushing through the doors into the auditorium with gusto, she literally crashed into the body coming the other way.

“Trixie!”

She immediately recognized that voice. She found herself encircled by strong, familiar arms, staring at a festive holiday tie. “Hello, Jim.”

“Are you okay?” Jim asked as he rubbed his chest. She had barreled right into him with her usual exuberance. “That didn’t hurt your hand, did it?” he asked solicitously, as her right hand immediately moved to cradle her left. “By the way, Trix, how did you hurt your hand?”

She flexed her fingers, having no idea how to respond. “It’s getting better; it won’t be long before I can ditch the cast.”

“Trixie….” Jim’s voice cracked.

“Dr. Frayne, the boys are looking for the shepherd crooks.” Brad Thomas interrupted them.

“Right Brad, they’re in the corner backstage. I’m on my way.” Jim answered without taking his eyes off Trixie.

“Yes, sir.” Brad backed away slowly, causing Trixie to look at him and frown. He turned and walked away quickly at her hostile stare.

“You’ll be around, right?” Jim murmured. “Come on and I’ll show you our seats.”

“I’ll be around. Is there anything I can help you with?” she replied, as he pointed to their seats on the end of the front row.

“No.” He looked around. “I’m expecting a job candidate to show up, if his flight is on time. If he arrives before I make it, do you think you could show him around a bit. His name is Ronald Duncan, he’ll be with his wife.”

She nodded. “Of course. Is this by any chance the same Ronald Duncan we met in Iowa, you know, Gloria’s brother?”

“You remember him then.”

“Yes, I think I’ll recognize him. I’ll keep an eye out,” she promised.

Then I guess I had better get those crooks.” He smiled as he pulled his favorite curl, “Later, shamus.”

Trixie smiled at him and turned back in the direction of the entrance hall. She paused and looked around before pushing back through the doors, a shiver raising goose bumps on her skin. Something is wrong. What am I missing? I’m missing something. Was Jonesy connected somehow to one of the boys at Frayler?

Trixie strolled through the entrance hall with feigned casualness, helping the students greet visitors, introducing the community members she knew to Benji and Steven. She scrutinized everything and everyone.

“What’s wrong with Trixie?” Brian whispered to Honey, observing his sister’s edgy behavior. “Is she working tonight? I mean on a case?”

“Of course not!” Honey also began to frown as she watched Trixie. “Something’s bothering her.” She put her hand on Brian’s arm when he moved to cross the hall to his sister. “Leave her be. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.”

“Honey, she’s still recovering,” he protested.

“Brian, you’re smothering her. I promise she’ll let us know if things get to be too much for her. She did the other day when she came to see me. She actually let me call the limo to take her back home.”

“Okay, you’re the boss,” he said slowly.

“Hmmm, I’ll let you be the boss later tonight,” she whispered, her bright red fingernails skimming up the sleeve of his suit.

“I’ll take you up on that offer.” Brian softly touched the thin strap of her gold holiday dress.

Honey shivered. “Not here!” she whispered.

“Where?” he asked.

“Brian!” Her voice warned. “We have to make it until the end of the program.”

“Duly noted, but once we’re home -- remember, you said I was the boss.”

“So the record will show,” she assured him in her best courtroom voice. “Isn’t that Ron over there?”

“Yes, let’s go.”

 

 

Trixie sighed to herself as she felt Jim pick up her good hand and hold it in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. The auditorium lights were dimmed and her favorite student started the program. She smiled with pride as she watched Harry.

For the first half of the program Trixie gave the students her full attention. The show was excellent, and to her surprise the Christmas music was outstanding. The boys harmonized beautifully, the angelic voices soared, and without even trying, she found herself engrossed in the performance.

There was a short break for the students to set up their props for their play. After a quick trip to the ladies room, Trixie returned to her seat, looking around for Jim, who had disappeared. She talked for a few moments with Ron and Kristen Duncan before becoming the sight of Tad and Brad helping the students move the props, including the shepherd crooks Jim had helped locate earlier, distracted her. Suddenly she wished she were sitting on the back row where she could watch the people in the auditorium surreptitiously. Something tonight doesn’t feel right. I can’t place my finger on it.

“Sorry, I had to check on a few things,” Jim apologized to the trio. His return had her shaking her head. I think I was probably incredibly rude to Jim’s potential job candidates.

“That’s fine, Jim.” Ron spoke up. “We were all three just doing a spot of people- watching. Your staff is working hard.”

“Yes, they are. The boys are excited too. I think it’s been a good program.”

“It’s been wonderful,” Kristen assured him as they settled in their seats.

Trixie gave them both a grateful look. As Jim’s hand again found hers, she had trouble concentrating on the performance unfolding on the stage. Her eyes kept drifting to the wings of the stage where Tad Webster and Brad Thomas stood, along with Diana. Trixie studied both men carefully, trying to figure out what was bothering her.

They seemed to watch the play with interest. They smiled at the appropriate moments and for the most part, just leaned casually against a huge post. She frowned as she noticed one of them cross his arms and smile. Then she saw the fingers -- he was standing with his arms crossed, his fingers drumming against his arm. Something is wrong, very wrong… She sighed deeply.

Trixie was so absorbed in observing the two staff members that she blinked when Jim stood up and moved to the stage. The applause was deafening and she joined the clapping.

There was a crush of community members exiting the auditorium and surrounding Jim at the steps to the stage to offer their congratulations.

Margery Trask and Wendell Molinson joined her as she stood waiting with the Duncans.

“Congratulations, Miss Trask. The program was fantastic! I could see the work you and Di did really paid off.”

“Thank you, Trixie. You’re very kind, but we were fortunate that none of the boys were dealing with voice changes this year,” she replied.

“How did you manage to get them to agree to sing?” Ronald Duncan asked.

“I didn’t, Jim did.” Jim’s new chief-of-staff smiled. “He can convince them of anything. Would you like to see the music room?”

“The school actually has a music room, with just six students?” Kristen asked her.

“Yes, Jim planned and designed the school with nothing spared. It wouldn’t matter if there were just one student, the program would change only a little. Trixie, would you like to join us?” Miss Trask asked with a smile.

“No, thank you. I’ll just wait for Jim to finish.”

“I’ll catch-up with you three in just a moment, Margery,” Captain Molinson spoke quickly. “I want to grab Councilman Watkins for a quick word.”

Miss Trask and the Duncans slipped through a side door to take a mini-tour of the Academy. As soon as the door shut, Molinson spoke.

“Any luck?”

“Nothing yet,” Trixie replied.

The police captain scowled as he murmured, “What’s taking you so long?”

“Gleeps, give me a day or two, would you?” she muttered. “Keeping communications secure takes time.”

“Used to be if something strange happened, certain teenagers would have already been in my department with the case solved.”

“Not every teenager knows everything like they used too. When there aren’t regular club meetings it’s hard to keep private communication… private. Today’s teenagers use text messaging and cell phones and all kinds of non-secure communication.”

“True, but I would think certain meetings would be held anyway.”

“In good time, they will be,” Trixie answered.

He moved away, still scowling. “Understood. Keep being careful.”

Trixie watched him speak to the councilman as the crowd thinned. Jim was still talking to visitors so she slipped into the line of people leaving the auditorium. She was quickly joined by Dan.

“You weren’t thinking of making a quick getaway, were you?” he asked with a knowing look.

“Well, as a matter of fact…” she started, before he interrupted.

“We have to talk.”

Dan led her away from the crowd. He could tell she was fuming about being told what to do. Brian had already warned him that he had gotten her off to a bad start.

Dan turned to lean slightly against the wall, forcing Trixie to look at him instead of around him at the room. He gently grasped her chin and tilted her face up so he was staring at her.

“You aren’t mad at me about the elevator, are you?” he asked quietly. He had already lost too much sleep over Trixie’s distress at discovering that the elevator incident at Syracuse had been a set-up.

“No. At the end of the day you could probably say I owe you all a vote of thanks,” she admitted. “Neither one of us would have gotten there without that push. There was too much misunderstanding.”

Dan nodded and decided to push again. “And now, the differences over Jonesy? Is there too much misunderstanding between you and me?”

“Dan, I understand why you waited to tell us. I’ve already apologized to Jim and now I want to apologize to you for losing my temper the other day. You did the right thing.”

Dan studied her face; it was obvious the apology was sincere. “I didn’t, you know. There hasn’t been a day since it happened that I don’t wish I had told you and Honey.”

“You didn’t know,” she said. “Please, Dan, don’t worry about it. We have more important things to focus on. Do you think we could have a Bob-White meeting tomorrow?”

“Focus on… what?” he asked, puzzled.

“This case, figuring out what Jonesy was up to, where he was working, what the tie-in is to some of our cases.”

“Trixie, are you out of your mind? You can’t go meddling in this case! Molinson would eat you alive. It’s clear from every piece of evidence Turner and West have uncovered, this is nothing more than a case of revenge. Jonesy wasn’t working, there’s nothing to connect him to anything.”

“I’m perfectly sane, Dan. That’s why we need a meeting, so I can tell you what I’ve been doing, with Molinson’s blessing.”

“What are saying, Trix?”

“Look, there is more to this. I promise you will understand soon enough, if you’ll just trust me for now.”

“Trix, can’t we just put it behind us and move on?”

“No, we can’t,” Trixie told him. “Look, I know things I need to tell you, but I really don’t want to be overheard, okay? Even if you don’t agree with me, it doesn’t mean you have to discount my ideas as possibilities!” The hurt was audible in her voice. “It’s not like I told you that I saw a shark fin in the Hudson River.”

Dan’s eyes darkened. He thought about the times they had all dismissed her theories as crazy -- and she had been right all along. “Trixie, I don’t know what to say,” he said, shoving his hands in his pockets. “If you told me today you saw a shark fin in the river, there’s no doubt I would believe you. If you told me you thought you had been abducted by aliens on your way to the program tonight, I wouldn’t discount the possibility. You could even tell me you were madly in love with me and willing to ditch Jim and run away with me to Vegas to get married and I’d probably go buy us two tickets.” He yanked his hands out of his pockets and grabbed her arms in frustration. “It’s not that I don’t believe it’s possible. God knows in this business its best guess -- and building the case as you go -- but I can’t connect the dots. You said yourself that Jonesy told you guys he was hurting you to hurt Jim.”

“Why would Jonesy involve some kid in dealing with Jim if it were just revenge?” Trixie demanded. “Jonesy’s partner was young and inexperienced. I’m telling you if his… his… apprentice was more than twenty I will run away with you to Vegas! Why would a kid get involved in some crazy plot of revenge on Jim?”

“Because he didn’t have a place like Frayler to help him see the error of his ways and instead he joined a gang and spent time with the wrong kind of people,” Dan replied.

Trixie said nothing. The silence grew uncomfortable between them and Trixie began to look around. She finally spoke. “Probably about time for me to find my ride and head home, especially if I’m going to pack a bag to head out to Vegas tonight.”

Dan grinned; at least he knew she was listening to him. “Sorry, Trix. I told Bobby and his gang to get out of here and I’d make sure you got home safely. I also promised to take full responsibility for getting you into an elevator with Jim if it becomes necessary.

“Jim’s really busy talking to the local politicians and he has a job candidate here. I’m not going to have a chance to spend much time with him. Can we go ahead and leave?”

“Not yet. How are things between you and Jim?”

“It’s hard,” she admitted. “He asked me about my hand. He still doesn’t remember any of it.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I don’t want him to remember,” she whispered. Tears stood in her eyes. “I hope he never remembers.”

Dan shook his head, “Jim can handle it, Trix. You don’t need to worry about it, once he remembers he’ll be able to handle it, especially if you’re there for him.”

“What if I can’t handle it?” her whispered voice choked. “What if something happens to Jim or to the students because of my career? Could I live with myself?”

Dan was shocked by what he heard. Surely it couldn’t be something like that! Why -- Trixie isn’t scared of anything! It had never occurred to him that Trixie wouldn’t be able to handle what had happened, she was strong, had always been strong. “You can handle anything,” he told her confidently. “There’s no doubt that you can handle this. Don’t let him win. You are a hell of a woman, Beatrix Belden.”

“Danny, right now I’m not even sure I can handle you and me disagreeing about Jonesy.”

Dan’s eyes widened in surprise. He had never realized how much she needed his agreement, how much it meant to her. Maybe, he mused to himself, it’s because this case involves Jim.

Dan went so far as to reach out and pull Trixie’s curl, the one Jim always liked to tug. He smiled softly as he did it, realizing why Jim got such a kick out of it. The spring of that curl was the epitome of Trixie. It bounced right back. He noticed the confusion in her face and in a very un-Dan like move, pulled Trixie into his arms and held her, rubbing his chin on the top of her silky curls. “Belden, I don’t like fighting with you,” he finally murmured.

“I know, I don’t like fighting with you either,” she admitted.

“If I ever give up the force and come to work with you girls, you know that we’re all going to have to learn to disagree with each other.”

“Are you saying this is a test for us?” she asked.

“Yeah, it is a test for all of us. You know I love you, don’t you Trixie? Not like Jim does, but kind of like Jim does. You, Honey and Di, you three are the closest thing to sisters I’ll ever have.”

“I know. We think of you like another brother.”

“Listen, Belden, you’re important to me. So is Jim. Promise me you won’t let this case interfere in our friendship or your relationship with Jim.”

“I understand, Dan.” Trixie replied, looking up at the dark, worried, eyes. “Jim and I, we’ll figure it out eventually, but we’re going to have to do that no matter what is going on with the case.”

“Mangan, are you moving in on my special girl?”

Dan and Trixie had been so involved they both failed to notice Jim approaching them. Dan turned and grinned. “You better believe it, Frayne. If you’ll give me another five minutes alone with her, I think I have her convinced to ditch you.”

“That will never happen,” Jim replied with a wink at Trixie. “There are simply too many elevators in the world for your plan to succeed. I have it on pretty good authority that Bobby and his friends have convinced the Beldens to install an elevator at Crabapple Farm just in case it’s needed.”

“Come on Frayne, you’re not sore at me about that, are you?” Dan asked.

Trixie remained silent, watching the exchange between the two men. She detected just a note of uncertainty in Dan’s question. The realization dawned on her that the two friends had not discussed Dan’s role in the subterfuge at Syracuse.

“No, but I think I might want your help later to teach the lovely Lady Diana a lesson,” Jim replied.

“Hmm, helping you means I would be turning on Lady Di,” Dan mused. “No deal, Frayne. Sorry, but that girl scares the hell of out me. She can plan a secret mission better than Belden, here! You should have seen the plans she drew up. She had backup plans, scripts, code names, and the works. If the CIA knew that she had that expertise, they would have her out of here in a heartbeat.”

Trixie giggled. “Maybe we should ask her to set up our secret Bob-White meeting tomorrow.”

“Secret meeting?” Jim asked, astounded.

“Yeah, Trixie’s got another crazy idea she needs our help with.” Dan brushed his fingers through his hair.

The curl Dan had pulled moments ago, quivered in indignation and for the first time since her abduction, the china blue eyes snapped with a fiery flash of anger. Her arms crossed as she set her jaw. It was like watching the fuse light on a firecracker; it would only take a few seconds before the explosion. Dan realized too late, he had invoked the wrath of the woman.

“How dare you say it’s a crazy idea when you haven’t even heard it?” she hissed at him.

“Why are we having a meeting?” Jim asked at the same time Dan chimed in with, “I didn’t mean it that way, Trix.”

All three started talking at once, each voice raised over the others, each trying to get the other two to listen. The volume grew loud enough to attract the attention of the few stragglers who were still finding their way out of the auditorium. Mart exchanged an uneasy look with his wife, and casually walked over to interrupt them.

“Excuse me, but this assemblage of confabulation is occurring in a cacophonous consuetude. Perchance the trio has unrecalled its coetaneous milieu in the titillation of being reunited?” He smiled and laughed as he spoke, placing a hand on his sister’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

“Cripes, Mart,” Dan muttered. “Just speak English.”

“I trust that’s what I just did,” Mart said cheerfully. “Our chief administrator is in capacious demand. Not to mention that neighboring awareness has reallocated from the ongoing revelry to these deliberations. Just in case you’ve forgotten, you are positioned in the heart of a Yuletide Festivity. If Dr. Frayne could disengage from the distraction of his inamorata; he might note the lingering notables that still wish to have a word.”

“Okay, Mart, I get it,” Jim interjected. He looked at Dan. “We’ll finish this up later, Mangan. I may need your help with a covert operation of my own soon.” He shifted his gaze to Trixie, “Miss Belden, you are planning to stay?”

“Jim,” Honey interrupted smoothly as she joined the other four. “The mayor wants a word with you.”

“I was just informing this triumvirate that our preeminent professor needs to perform his headmaster duties.” Mart turned to welcome Honey to their quartet. “Good evening, Mrs. Dr. Belden.”

Honey gave one of her forced I-know-how-to-be-a-socialite smiles and looked at Mart. “Good evening, Martin.”

“Honey, Mart – I’ll be there momentarily. I think the mayor will understand that I need a word with two of my oldest friends,” Jim answered his sister.

“Jim, no hard feelings, okay?” Dan stuck his hand out to Jim. “I’ll help you with whatever you need. “And as for you, Shamus,” he turned to look at Trixie. “I’ll let Jim get you home tonight. We’ll talk tomorrow and if we need to look for a shark in the Hudson, then we’ll look there, okay?”

Trixie nodded, blinking rapidly to keep tears at bay. Dan was agreeing to consider her theory.

“When and where do you want this Bob-White meeting?” he asked her.

“Tomorrow, at Mr. Maypenny’s cabin,” she suggested.

“Okay, let me talk to him. If he didn’t overdose on Mrs. V’s windmill cookies tonight he won’t have a problem with it. I’ll call you.”

Trixie nodded and he dropped a kiss on the top of her head, whispering for her ears only, “You can handle it, Belden.”

Trixie and Jim stood there awkwardly, neither knowing what to say. Trixie spoke first. “I’m not thinking of ditching you,” she said softly.

“Good, because I’ve been thinking that you might need to know what I did remember from that Friday,” Jim replied looking at her intently.

“What do you remember?” she asked, her voice shaking. Scanning the area, she took a step closer to him so she could hear.

“I remembered that ---“

“Dr. Frayne, you must be very proud of the performance tonight!” A voice interrupted their conversation. It was all Trixie could do not to stamp her foot in frustration. She took a second to remind herself, we shouldn’t expect to carry on a private conversation in a public forum. She managed to put on her public face to the Mayor of Sleepyside. She shifted her position carefully; just as she had seen Honey and Mrs. Wheeler do a million times at different functions. Her arm slipped through Jim’s and she beamed at the mayor. To his credit, Jim didn’t even turn to look at her, but she could feel the release of tension. Suddenly, she knew. We’ll be okay. Dan’s right. I can handle it.

The networking among the community leaders and guests continued for the next hour. A few moments after the Mayor approached them, they were joined by one of the more annoying members of the town council. Jim spoke passionately about the differences he felt the school was making in the lives of the students, the need for support from the community to attract staffing and keep jobs locally, and his work with the local high school.

“Actually, Mr. Mayor, I was hoping Jim had asked you to add your weight to his proposal to Sleepyside High School that Frayler students be included in school dances. Don’t you agree that cooperation between the schools is in the best interest of the students?” Trixie said in a voice that was sweetly firm.

“Yes, yes, of course,” the mayor answered, giving her an admiring look. “And before you start on me as well, I’ve already told him that I’ll sign anything he wants me too. I agree, the boys are obviously doing well here and thriving. The foster care system in this state is woefully overtaxed. With the success Jim has shown so far, I think the case can be made that Frayler is ready for more.”

Trixie beamed at the mayor. He had just earned her vote for re-election. “Well at least we can both totally agree on that!” she said with her best smile.

Jim took a deep breath, wondering what had come over Trixie. “Thank you, Mayor Spencer. We appreciate your support of our school.” His arm slipped around Trixie’s shoulders.

Trixie felt a warmth inside she hadn’t felt in the past two weeks. He said our school, he’s including me!

 

 

“Jim, can we talk?” Trixie asked Jim as soon as they had said their goodnights to the Duncans. Ron and Kristen were staying at the Glenn Road Inn. Miss Trask and Captain Molinson were leading the way. The school had rented a car for the couple so they could take their own time to evaluate Sleepyside and the surrounding area.

“Of course. I’m finished with my school obligations for the evening. Are you sure it’s not too late for you?” Jim’s hand rubbed up and down her arm in concern.

“I need to tell you some things, privately,” she told him, her brow furrowing. “I’m sure Bobby and his friends will still be going full steam down at the farm.”

“Come on, you can come to my place,” he said, picking up her hand.

Trixie hung back, “Jim, I wouldn’t want your students or staff to get the wrong idea.”

“Not upstairs, Trixie. I’m talking about my private quarters,” he explained.

Trixie nodded in agreement.

Jim led her through the kitchen and another room before turning down a small hallway and unlocking a door. He escorted her inside, locking the door behind him. “Welcome to my home,” he said quietly. Trixie looked around.

Jim watched as she studied the apartment. He had done his best to make the rooms seem like a home -- more than just living quarters. He gazed at her, trying to tell if she liked the dark wood wainscoting on the walls, the paintings, the comfortable leather sofa he had picked out with his mother’s help.

“I didn’t realize this was here,” she remarked as she looked around.

“This was the last section we finished,” he explained. “It wasn’t that important until we hired Tad. I stayed upstairs in the counselor’s quarters before that. This is what’s referred to as the headmaster’s private quarters. It’s totally off limits to students. There’s a small office, a kitchenette and a large master bedroom and bath down the hall.”

Jim steered her to the sofa. “Okay, Trix. What do you need to tell me?”

“Molinson asked for my help with the investigation.” She detailed her conversation with the police captain as well as his fear of either a leak in the department or a lapse in security protocol.

“Wow! So you’re handling this as if our phones and office could be tapped?” Jim sat back in amazement.

“Yes. If my hunch is correct, Jonesy didn’t come after us because of you. He came after us because of me,” Trixie explained.

“Trixie, my feelings for you are not going to change because of anything Jonesy did.” Jim’s tone was adamant.

“I’m pretty sure that Jonesy is part of a much bigger operation. My theory is there is something I know or that they think I knew that could bust the operation wide open. They came after us to silence me. Jonesy volunteered for the job for revenge, but he was just another cog in the operation.”

“That’s an interesting theory,” he commented.

“There’s a good chance they’ll come back,” she insisted. “Maybe not to abuse me or rape me, but to kill me. Maybe to kill you or hurt one of the students.”

“Trixie, I just can’t buy into your theory yet,” Jim demurred.

“What do you mean? It’s a good theory, I’ve checked out parts of it – and so far it’s checking out.”

“If it’s about something you know, then who besides Jonesy gives one damn about me!” he demanded. “You don’t tell me anything about your work and you know as well as I do that I don’t know anything about your cases.”

“Maybe they would go after you to hurt me,” she suggested. Her fingers nervously twisted together. Jim could tell she hadn’t expected him to disagree with her.

“Let me get this straight. It wasn’t okay for me to be upset that my stepfather used you to get to me. But it’s okay for you to be concerned that someone might go after me or my school, because of you?”

“Yes! I mean, no! Oh, hell, Jim, I don’t know anymore!” she moaned.

Jim stood up and began pacing around the room. He said nothing, trying to keep his temper under control.

“Trixie,” he finally spoke. “Why would anyone want to kill you?”

“I wish I knew, Jim,” she said bitterly. “I don’t even know if it’s me or you or both of us, much less why. I’m certain now it has to do with one of our insurance cases. Stay on your toes, Jim. Either way you’re involved now.”

“Okay, so no matter what, for now, we’ll all stay alert here at Frayler. No security lapses because it’s the holidays.” Jim walked over and peeped out the window.

He turned and looked back at her, “Are you going to tell me what happened now? How you hurt your hand?”

She shook her head, “I can’t!” she answered. “It’s too hard, and part of me was hoping you wouldn’t remember. Jim, I hope you never remember!” Trixie shivered.

“Oh, Trixie!” Jim crossed to her and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve been going to counseling,” he whispered. “It’s helping me remember.”

“Me too, it helps me to talk to Dr. Sinclair. He has so much experience dealing with trauma victims, law enforcement officers, victims of rape and abuse, he’s been wonderful.”

Jim froze. He hadn’t been able to remember what had happened, but Trixie’s words triggered something. His blood ran cold. “I… Trixie, are you saying… did you say…” Jim was having a hard time asking what he suddenly knew he had to know. ”Trix,” he gulped. “Did Jonesy rape you?”

“Oh, Jim!” Her arms went around him in a flash. “No, Jim, he didn’t rape me,” she whispered.

“Trixie, I promise you, no matter what happened, even that, we would get through it. We will get through it, Trixie. Please, just don’t shut me out of your life. I can handle anything but that,” Jim pleaded his case.

“Jim, I think I understand I have to let you decide the risks you want to accept for yourself. As well as the risks you’re willing to accept for the students and the school.”

Jim breathed a sigh of relief -- she did understand. “Thank you, Trixie. We’ll be okay, I just know we will. There’s no way my shamus is going to let this one show up on Unsolved Mysteries!”

“Your shamus?” she said smiling.

“Yes, my shamus,” he said into her soft curls. “I love you, Trixie.”

Trixie burrowed her face in Jim’s neck. He whispered to her as he felt the moisture, knowing she was trying hard not to cry. He was surprised at her next question.

“Jim,” she hesitated, “Do you remember the beatings from when you were a teenager?”

“Oh yes, I don’t think it’s something you ever forget. But they really weren’t that bad.”

“How can you say that?” she protested. “You told us how he tied you up for three days. We were only held captive a little over three hours; it had to be so much worse when you were alone with it.”

“Do you want to know what makes this time so much worse?” he whispered.

“What?”

“It was going to be the happiest day of my life! Everything was planned to the minute. A horseback ride on Jupiter and Lady, a trip to the old summerhouse and then …” Jim swallowed, “Trixie, I was going to ask you to marry me.”

Trixie didn’t move a muscle. Jim felt her go still in his arms. He continued, realizing she didn’t have a clue he had planned to propose that day. “That’s the worst of it all; Jonesy took all that away from me. I’ll be damned if I let him take you away from me as well. Trixie, you can have all the time you want, but make no mistake about it; I’m always going to be a part of your life. Do whatever you think you need to do to protect me if it makes you feel better, but you’re my special girl, my only girl. I’m not going anywhere.”

He pulled her head up, looking at her distraught face and then kissed her softly. “When I remember everything it’s probably going to hurt again, but I’ll never let it get in the way of loving you.”

“Jim…” the voice was small. “Was that a proposal?”

“No, Trixie.” He shook his head. “Jonesy’s not stealing my big scene. I need to make a new set of plans.”

She smiled and Jim wondered what she was thinking. He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. “Sweetheart, when the time is right, nothing is going to get in my way. Not this, not Jonesy, not any case you’re working, no students, nothing. It’s going to be about us. Then I’ll show you how much I love you. I promise you Trixie, Jonesy will not take you away from me!”

“You’ll show me?” she asked curiously.

“Yes, like I wanted to show you that night after we went bowling. You know, when I was so woefully unprepared.”

She giggled then. “And now, you’re prepared?”

“Darling – let me assure you that I’ve been prepared since nine o’clock the next morning!” he grinned.

Her arms encircled his neck, “I’ve been getting prepared as well,” she assured him, smiling. “But it will be a few more weeks before, hmm, before I’m fully prepared.”

Jim nodded, thinking he understood. “You went back on the pill?”

“Well... I went on the pill. I’ve never taken it before.”

“Hmmm,” he said, his hands beginning to wander. “What did you use before, just condoms?”

“Uh, no,” she answered, her face reddening.

“Was it safe?” he asked pulling back and looking at her flushed face.

“Jim, I never needed anything before. I haven’t… well it just wasn’t… there was never a need for anything.”

“Trixie,” he murmured hoarsely. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying? You….. you’re a……”

“Yes,” she answered in a quiet tone, looking him in the eye. “I always wanted it to be you.”

He was floored, totally staggered. On top of everything else he knew about this woman, this revelation was something he never expected. It created a reaction he didn’t expect and for which he was unprepared. He took a deep breath, attempting to control the sudden desire that was surging through his body.

“Jim?” Trixie finally spoke, and he noticed her flushed face and trembling lip.

“Trix, I better take you home. It’s getting late.”

“But Jim, I thought we might, you know, have another appointment for a little while,” she protested.

“I can’t, Trixie,” he shook his head. “I don’t think you understand how tempting it is to be around you right now.”

She tilted her head to one side and looked at him. “Are you being honorable all over the place again?”

“I’m trying,” he admitted. “But if you don’t get out of here soon I’m not going to be.”

But Jim,” she started again, “I haven’t even had a chance to finish telling you about my conversation with Captain Molinson.”

“Tell me on the way home, sweetheart.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Otherwise, you won’t be going home.”