Dan climbed the stairs from the subway and headed up the block. He had stopped at a popular deli near his office to get sandwiches and a quart container of soup. There was a lilt in his steps as he headed up the street. He had finally spoken the words he’d held to himself for over a decade; words he’d been hesitant to admit, even to himself. He was in love.

He hesitated when he got to the corner by Chan’s Grocery, wondering if Trixie had anything other than wine to drink. Anxious to deliver her dinner, he decided that water would suffice and walked past the store entrance, then turned the corner.

Dan stopped abruptly. Blue and red flashing lights lit up the entire block, almost blinding him. There were two cars blocking the street, one a marked patrol car and the other a dark sedan with lights flashing from its front grill. Was it a fire? No, there were no fire trucks. Hearing sirens he looked back over his shoulder and saw an ambulance making its way towards him.

What the...? Oh no. Ohmigod! Trixie! Dan dropped his parcels and ran. Trixie!

“No! Nooooo!!!”

He was almost all the way to Trixie’s apartment building when a tall baby-faced police officer stopped him. “Sorry. You’ll have to get back. This is a crime scene.”

Dan shoved him aside. “I have to get…”

The officer stepped up to him. “I told you to get back.”

“That’s my…I have to…Dammit.”

The young man leaned closely. “I’m not telling you again, sir,” he punctuated each word. “You need to get back.”

Dan struggled with the instincts commanding him to knock the younger man aside and keep going. He forced himself to step back, looking for a way to get past. “I...I’m with the DA’s office.” Dan took his wallet and pulled out his identification. “Daniel Mangan. Manhattan DA. I’m going up there,” Dan peered at the tag on the patrolman’s jacket. “Officer Kelly.”

“I was told…You’re an ADA?”

The moment Officer Kelly hesitated, Dan pushed by, not waiting for him to react and possibly stop him again. He jogged up the steps to the entrance to Trixie’s apartment building and followed an EMT through the doorway and up the stairs to the third floor. He was stopped again at the landing by a young man in jeans and a lightweight bomber-style jacket with his NYPD badge pinned to the front.

“Sorry, sir. You’ll have to leave.”

“I’m with the DA’s office!” Dan tried to see past the detective and into Trixie’s apartment as he waved his identification. “DA’s office.”

“I can’t let you go past here, sir. DA or not.”

Dan stepped up and leaned so close to the detective that he could smell the spearmint gum he was chewing. “You are stepping out of my way.” Dan shoved him aside and got as far as the doorway of Trixie’s apartment before he was stopped again. He got a quick glance at two EMT’s squatted next to a figure lying face down on the floor. A trail of bright red liquid was seeping from the immobile black- clad body. He grabbed the door frame to steady himself.

No!Every molecule in his body was screaming but he didn’t make a sound. No! Not Trixie! Please God! Not Trixie!

“You have to move and now, sir.”

Dan started to push the man out of his way when he caught sight of Trixie sitting in her desk chair on the far side of the living room. She was pale and appeared dazed, and was holding her left arm as if it hurt. A second man in jeans and a lightweight jacket was standing next to her, legs spread and bending over in a protective stance. Dan was offering a silent prayer of thanksgiving when he was shoved aside by two additional men who came up behind him.

“Belden?” The older man called out as he held up his detective’s badge and stepped into the apartment.

The younger of the two men turned and looked at Dan. “You need to get out of here. And now!” he ordered Dan as he stepped forward to make sure Dan complied. He stopped, looked back towards the apartment door and then at Dan. “Oh. You’re her …you’re the ADA. The one Belden…Were you here when it happened? If so, you’ll need to talk to Captain Reilly.” He looked into the apartment and then back at Dan. “Once he finishes talking to Belden.”

“I...I need...” Dan stepped back. Realizing Trixie was okay, he began to think a bit more rationally and understood the importance of his staying out of the way. God forbid if he contaminated something in the crime scene. He’d already touched the doorframe. “Can you make sure Detective Belden is okay?” He stepped back further.

The detective smiled. “Wait here. Do NOT move.” He walked up to the doorway and motioned to someone inside the apartment. One of the EMT’s stepped out and they spoke quietly. The EMT looked over at Dan several times while they talked. After what seemed an eternity to Dan, the EMT walked over.

“We have a dead male in there. Gunshot wound to the chest. We also have a young woman with an injury. We’re checking her now. That’s more than I should tell you.”

Dan slumped down, steadying himself against the wall. “Detective Belden, the woman, she’s hurt?”

“It doesn’t seem serious.” He turned and walked back into the apartment.

Dan stood in the hallway and watched as Crime Scene investigators arrived. He knew enough about police procedure to know that he’d only gotten this far because of the initial chaos and that once the CSI took charge he’d be run out. He just hoped that he’d learn more before then. He was trying to move closer without arousing attention when Trixie stepped into the hallway with Captain Reilly and the EMT who had spoken to him.

“Trixie.” He choked on the word.

Trixie looked up at him and gave a weak smile. “Dan? I’m okay, Dan. I’m okay.”

Dan could tell she was in pain, both physically and emotionally.

“You’re not okay.”

Captain Reilly glared at Dan. “You’re the ADA?” Dan nodded.

“We’re taking the Detective to the ER.” The EMT interjected. “I’m going down to get a stretcher.”

“I can walk.” Trixie insisted.

“No you can’t.” Three men chorused together.

“I’m not being rolled out of my own home. I can walk.”

“There’s an elevator.” Dan pointed up the hallway. “We can take that down.”

Helen Belden placed her glass in the dishwasher, shut and latched it, and set the timer to run after everyone was long asleep. She smiled, recalling Brian’s comments when he saw that, after years of cooking and cleaning for a large family without one, she had finally installed an automatic dishwasher in her kitchen.

She stopped at the doorway to the family room, watching her husband and oldest son dozing in matching recliners and marveling at how much alike they were. The similarity in their appearance was obvious to anyone, but it was the more subtle similarities that she noticed. They were both intelligent with an overpowering sense of caring and responsibility. Brian had used his abilities to become a talented doctor. Peter had managed a successful career in banking and finance, despite making countless sacrifices for his family. And both had always suppressed strong undercurrents of rebelliousness. Helen felt her face warm as she recalled the young lothario who had stolen her heart. He quickly changed his wild ways and had since devoted his entire life to her and his family. And while she knew none of the details, she felt certain that her son’s two failed relationships with women were not due to a lack of passion. She also knew he wouldn’t be unattached for long.

Helen’s quiet reverie was interrupted by the sharp ringing of the wall phone beside her. She quickly grabbed the receiver, hoping it wouldn’t disturb Peter and Brian.

Despite her best effort, the ringing had awakened the two men, but they both remained reclined in the chairs until her loud gasp caught their attention. Their chairs snapped into the upright position in synchronization.

“Helen, what is it?” Peter stood and rushed over to her. He waited silently until she ended the call and placed a hand over her mouth in disbelief.

“Helen?” He touched her arm.

“That was Dan. Trixie’s…we need to get to New York.” Her eyes darted around the room, quickly assessing what to do first.

“What is it? Helen? Tell me.”

“Moms?” Brian had joined his parents in the kitchen doorway.

“It’s Trixie. I’ll explain in the car. Brian, I want you to come, too. You might be able to help when we get to the hospital.” She grabbed her purse from the counter and took her coat from a hook next to the door into the service porch. “Peter, Brian? Are you coming?”

“Helen, you’re wearing pajamas.” Peter had followed her across the kitchen but stopped in the doorway to the porch.

“Hospital? Moms? What is it?” Brian stepped up beside his father.

Helen shoved past them and ran back through the kitchen into the adjoining master bedroom. She grabbed the shoes, slacks and sweater she’d been wearing earlier and then headed back towards the two men who still waited for her to share what was wrong.

“I’m changing in the car. I just filled up the mini-van, so we’ll take that. Go! Go!”

Peter followed her, knowing not to get in Helen’s way when she was so determined. He knew that she would fill them in once she was satisfied her mission was accomplished, and at the moment that mission was to get them in the car and on the way to New York. Obviously, something was wrong with their only daughter, but demanding that Helen relate the details of her phone conversation wouldn’t help Trixie. Getting to New York may.

“I think you should drive, Brian. I’ll try to get your mother calmed down so we can find out what the hell...” Peter handed his son the keys and trotted around to the other side of the van.

Brian climbed in behind the wheel and quickly adjusted the seat for his long legs, while his father and mother climbed into the back. He started the van and took off down the driveway without waiting for further instructions.

Once they were headed down Glen Road towards the Parkway, Helen was able to relax enough to share the details of her phone call. As she’d said, it was Dan on the phone, advising that Trixie was injured and was in the Mount Sinai Hospital Emergency Room. It appeared that she had a fractured scapula. Apparently her mobility would be limited and she would need assistance with things like bathing and dressing herself. The doctor refused to discharge her without someone to sign as caregiver. Dan hadn’t shared details of how Trixie was injured, but he was clearly upset and made it clear that Trixie wouldn’t be able to return to her apartment by herself.

“How do you think she broke her scapula, Brian? That’s the shoulder isn’t it?” Helen finally settled back in the bucket seat.

“The most common way is in a fall, Moms. Did Dan say?”

“No. He said she was in pain, and that it would affect her mobility, but that was all. Will she need a cast? What kind of cast do they use on the shoulder?”

“Unless it’s a very serious injury, they won’t. I think she’ll be in a sling and doped up for pain. That’s probably why they need you to sign. If she has to keep it immobile and she’s doped up… I guess they wouldn’t let Dan sign because he’s not a relative.”

“Dan wouldn’t be able to help her dress and…” Helen stopped mid-sentence. “Do you know how to get to Mt. Sinai?”

“I’ll find it, Moms. She’s not going anywhere until we get there. Dan’s with her for now.”

After Brian dropped his parents at the Emergency entrance and went to park, the older Beldens rushed through the crowded waiting area to the admissions desk where a volunteer took them back to the treatment area. Turning a corner, they saw Dan at the end of the hallway talking with two other men.

Dan’s hair was mussed and his shoulders stooped. He was shaking his head in response to something one of the other men was saying. He looked up when he heard them approaching. Helen stopped, seeing fear and exhaustion, then relief in his dark, sunken eyes. He brushed his hair back and walked towards them.

“Mrs. B. Mr. B., I’m so sorry that I had to call like that. Trixie insisted she didn’t need you, but she’s going to need…I knew you’d want to come.”

“Where is she?”

Dan pointed back towards a curtained area and stepped aside. Helen rushed up and pulled back the curtain, revealing Trixie propped up in a bed, her left arm in a dark blue sling-type device. She appeared to be sleeping, but turned to face them when they stepped in. She looked confused at first, but smiled weakly when she recognized her parents. Her eyes widened and she smiled broadly when she saw who was behind them. Thinking it was Brian, Helen looked back. It was Dan and he was staring at her daughter with concern and adoration. She almost shivered, realizing that she was looking at a man in love with her daughter.

“You bugger. I told you not to.” She turned to her mother. “You didn’t have to come.”

Dan stepped around them and squeezed Trixie’s free hand. “I had to call them, Trix. You need them.”

“Trixie,” Helen whispered. “Of course we’re here. Now, please, tell us what happened.”

Brian closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, enjoying the aroma of fresh brewed coffee, before pouring some of it into a mug and sitting down at his mother’s kitchen table. He sat and stared at the pen and notepad he’d grabbed from his father’s desk, hoping to organize his thoughts for a to-do list. So much had happened in the past twelve hours, he wasn’t sure where to begin. He just knew that his sister had been through a traumatic ordeal that still wasn’t over, and would need the help of her family and friends to recover. As a doctor as well as a big brother, he felt a special responsibility.

The sun was peeking over the horizon when he had pulled his mother’s minivan into the driveway of Crabapple Farm. Trixie had been groggy enough from pain medication to sleep during most of the drive from the city, and to be led upstairs with little effort. After making her as comfortable as possible, giving her another dose of pain medication, and being assured she was sleeping soundly; his parents had stumbled off to bed. He had tried to get some sleep, too, but after tossing around for a while, eventually gave up and showered. He then headed downstairs to make the first of what he was sure would be several pots of coffee to get through the day. He was surprised to see that, in addition to installing a dishwasher, his mother had acquired a new programmable coffee maker. It had been preset the night before and a fresh pot was waiting for him to enjoy.

Brian sat, sipping the rich brew and processing the events of the past few hours. Once they had arrived at Mt. Sinai Hospital and he had been reassured that Trixie was resting as well as possible, Brian left his parents to sit with his sister while he set out to learn the details of how she had been injured. He spoke at length to Dan and the two police officers standing sentry at her bedside, as well as the Emergency Room Physician who treated her. He’d been allowed to review her chart, determining that Trixie’s other physical injuries were minimal. He quickly became concerned about how Trixie would bear up under the stress she was certain to endure over the next few weeks.

The information Dan had shared in his phone call had been correct if incomplete, and the two young men had sat in the hospital corridor for some time discussing the details of what had occurred.

“Trixie got home from working over twenty-four hours straight when the suspect in her latest case was waiting inside the apartment... He attempted to knock her unconscious, but she turned so that he struck her shoulder, resulting in the fractured shoulder blade,” Dan explained.

“Scapula,” Brian corrected.

Dan smiled weakly. “Scapula. The doctor said that man had to have had exceptional strength, since scapula fractures are extremely rare,” he continued. “He said they represent less than one percent of all broken bones and are usually the result of blunt trauma such as a motorcycle or car crash.” He looked to Brian for confirmation.

“I’m not an orthopedist, but I do know that kind of fracture is pretty rare.”

“That’s what the doctor…” Dan looked up at his friend and smiled. “That’s what the OTHER doctor said. He said she’ll need to keep it immobilized for two to four weeks, and that Trixie should see an orthopedist in one week to determine how long and when she can begin physical therapy. Apparently that will take some time.”

“It’s necessary to ensure that it wouldn’t lead to chronic pain and disability.” Brian added.

“The doctor said Trixie will need to wear a sling, but that’s not a sling she’s wearing.” Dan looked up at his friend. “Why does it wrap around her waist like that?”

“I saw her chart.” Brian tried to be reassuring. “She doesn’t seem to have any other injuries except for some scrapes and bruises. Apparently she got hit and then rolled across the room. That’s a swathe she’s wearing. The wide strip of fabric that wraps around the waist helps to hold her arm close to her torso and limit movement.”

Dan stared down at the floor for a while before looking up at Brian. “Will she have much pain?”

Brian nodded. “My understanding is that a broken scapula can be pretty painful. But that’s what the pain meds are for. She’s on some pretty powerful ones right now. I’m not sure how long she’ll need them.”

Dan looked back down at the floor. Brian waited, knowing that Dan had always been quiet and contemplative and his silence meant he had something important to share.

“I think her shoulder may be the least of her worries.” Dan finally broke the silence to explain that Trixie would be dealing with a requisite Internal Affairs investigation. He assured Brian that Trixie was familiar with the investigative process and it normally wouldn’t be too distressing to her, but he worried that she’d also be learning to accept that she had shot and killed a man. He explained that the police department would be requiring a psychological evaluation and clearance before she could return to work Counseling might be required in order to obtain that clearance.

“She’s a remarkably strong woman,” Brian tried to reassure himself as well as Dan. He was having difficulty processing the news that his little sister had been assaulted, much less that she had killed her assailant, and could only imagine how she would deal with significant physical and emotional pain over the next few weeks, while also being interrogated and investigated.

“What about the pain meds?” Dan asked. “Will they affect how she responds in an interview?”

“She’s going to be pretty much out of it for a day or two. How long depends on how quickly she weans herself…” Brian realized what Dan was thinking. “Are you thinking the IAD interview will be intense?”

“It could be. This entire case has been in the headlines for weeks. And what if they insist she seek counseling? Your sister…”

Brian knew that his sister would resist counseling, but she would comply, if only to ensure she could return to work. “She’ll do whatever it takes to get back to work.”

Dan nodded agreement. “Let me think about this a bit. We need to get her out of the hospital and back to Crabapple Farm as soon as possible. She’s given her initial statement already and hopefully IAD won’t venture out to Sleepyside until we can make sure she’s had some sleep and is coherent.”

Dan offered to stay in the city and try to get into her apartment before coming out to Sleepyside the next day. It was considered a crime scene and it might be days before anyone could get inside, but Trixie had no clean clothing or toiletries. Dan hoped that, as an Assistant District Attorney, they’d let him inside.

Brian swirled the coffee around in his mug, realizing that Dan had explained that he had arrived at Trixie’s apartment immediately after the shooting, but he hadn’t said why he was there. It appeared to Brian that there was something more than a casual friendship between Dan and Trixie, and he wondered how long it had been going on. Brian knew he’d have to wait to learn more from either Dan or Trixie, but hoped Mart and Diana could clue him in when they arrived later that day.

He glanced at his watch. Mart and Diana were probably already on the road, so there was no sense in calling them. There was nothing they could do to get there sooner and he didn’t want to upset them while they were driving. Mart would be frantic enough when he learned of his almost-twin’s ordeal.

Brian wondered how long he should stay in Sleepyside. His first day on the job was in two weeks. He had originally planned to stay a few days in Sleepyside, and then head down to Richmond to get settled into his new apartment at least one week before starting work. He didn’t want to start a new job in a new city without a comfortable bed in his own home. He could stay the full two weeks in Sleepyside and head down to Richmond a day or two before starting work, but he needed to sign his lease and make arrangements to have the furniture he’d purchased delivered to the apartment. He glanced at his watch again, thinking he would call, have his lease mailed to him so that he wouldn’t lose the apartment, and see if management could accept the deliveries for him. He’d just have to skip any visit with Debbie. She had insisted that he needed to spend the time with his family, and it was more necessary than ever now. Brian topped off his mug with some hot coffee and headed upstairs to get his cell phone. He’d call Debbie first, since she was an early riser. He had a lot to share and he knew she would provide a sympathetic ear.

“I never thought she’d settle down.” Diana settled into the bucket seat of the BMW and adjusted her seat belt, after spending the last several miles reaching back between the seats, trying to get their daughter to settle down. “I was afraid we’d have to pull over so I could crawl back there. I really don’t want to ride in that tiny backseat the rest of the way.” She glanced back at Katie, who was finally asleep.

“What is it? Three stops so far? We stopped five times the last trip,” Mart added.

“We’re travelling with a baby, Mart.” Diana’s tone was a bit defensive. “And she’s going to figure out how to wiggle out of that seat.”

“I’m not complaining. I know you’re the one who had to pack ten tons of stuff for two days. I know you’re the one who’s been trying to settle her down for the past twenty miles. And I know you get up with her during the night, at least ten times for every one that I do.” Mart patted his wife’s knee affectionately. “Between my mother and yours, we’ll hardly even see Katie once we get to Sleepyside. Just let the two of them fight over her, and make sure you have plenty of time to visit. I’ll take her when the grandmas aren’t.”

“Is that a promise? You’ll get up for the 5:00 am feeding?”

“She won’t get much nourishment from my man-boobs, but I can try.”

Diana tapped him lightly on the shoulder. “I had so wanted Honey to be there, but she wouldn’t commit. I called her again last night and tried to get her to drive down, but… I really need some chat time with her and Trixie.

“She’s always a bit skittish around Brian,” Diana continued. “You’d think that by now...Honestly, I don’t think she’s over him.”

“I don’t know about that. I think she and Barry would be married by now if he hadn’t been such a jerk. Barry takes full responsibility for that break-up. And it looks like they’ve picked up right where they were a year ago. They’ve got a real chemistry.”

“Barry has nothing to do with it. Brian broke her heart and seeing him still stings. Barry did too, but not to the degree Brian did.” Diana shrugged her shoulders. “Thinking about it, she’s never really wanted to talk much about her break-up with either Brian or Barry.”

Diana looked over at Mart and smiled. “Of course, if she moves to Richmond, and Brian is moving to Richmond...”

“Diana Caroline Lynch Belden. Take that matchmaking grin off your face.”

“Oh, look at the time. Your mother is expecting us for lunch.” Diana quickly changed the subject and began digging in her purse. “Where’s my cell phone? I’m going to call and let them know we’re running late.”

“I don’t want you to go to any trouble, Moms. It’s just family, so why don’t you let me treat everyone to dinner someplace?” After he’d made calls and arranged to extend his visit in Sleepyside, Brian had gone back downstairs. He was surprised to find his mother was already warming homemade vegetable soup and rolling out pie crusts

“Trixie won’t be up to going out.” Helen held the pie plate over the dough for sizing, set it aside and began rolling again. “Besides, I already have most of the work done and I’m still running on adrenaline. I need to do something.”

“We can call out. You’ve had almost no sleep and…” Brian picked up a spoon and stirred the soup.

“I already bought the food and I’ll have plenty of help when everyone gets here. I’ll have nothing to do but rest after today.”

Helen deftly lifted the dough and placed it into the pie plate.

“Just promise me…” Brian was interrupted by the phone ringing. He quickly grabbed it so it wouldn’t disturb Trixie or his father.

“Belden resi…” he started when he was interrupted by Diana.

“Brian. It’s been so long since you’ve answered the phone at the farm. It sounds...oh I can’t wait to see you. I wanted to call and tell you that we’re running behind and not to hold lunch for us. It’ll be after one before we get there. Is Trixie coming? I spoke to her several days ago and she wasn’t sure.”

Brian hesitated. “Trixie’s here, but she’s still asleep.”

“Trixie? In bed? It’s almost noon. She never sleeps in late.” Diana laughed. “Is she sick?”

“Not sick. Di, I didn’t want to tell you while you’re on the road, but Trixie fractured her scapula last night and…”

“She WHAT? She fractured what? Her spatula?”

“Her shoulder blade. She’s okay, but pretty well doped up on pain meds right now. She’ll be staying here for a week or so while her mobility is limited.”

“Trixie? What’s wrong with Trixie?” Mart interrupted. Brian could hear him trying to take the phone.

“How did it happen? Trixie broke her shoulder blade, Mart. When did it happen?”

“It just happened last night. I’m sure Trixie will be awake and able to fill us in when you get here.”

“Was it at work? Did she have an accident or…”

“I’ll explain when you get here. But don’t worry. Her injury is painful, but not serious.”

“We’ll be there soon, Brian.”

“Trixie’s hurt?” Mart asked the moment Diana clicked off her cell phone. “What happened?”

“Brian said he’ll fill us in when we get to Sleepyside. Apparently Trixie got hurt last night. I’m calling Honey. She’ll definitely want to know, and I bet she’ll head down to see that Trixie is okay.”

“Do you know anything about Trixie being hurt?” Honey asked her brother as she was throwing clothes into an overnight bag. She had called Jim immediately after Diana’s call to see if he knew anything about Trixie. “Diana just called and apparently Trixie was in an accident last night. I don’t know anything except that she broke some bones and she’s in Sleepyside so I’m on my way. I should be there around 3:00 or 3:30. Can I stay with you?”

“What’s that? Trixie’s hurt? I don’t know anything about that. Is she in the hospital?” Jim turned and called to Aggie. “Trixie is hurt. Honey doesn’t know the details, but she’s on her way here.” He turned his attention back to the phone.

“What did Diana tell you?”

“Diana spoke to Brian. She’s at Crabapple Farm now. She broke her arm or something. Trixie, not Diana. Diana’s fine, but she and Mart were on their way to Sleepyside and spoke to Brian. Brian said she’s in a lot of pain but okay. You didn’t answer my question. Can I stay with you?”

“Of course. What time did you say you’ll be here?” Jim looked at his watch. “I’ll call Brian to find out what the heck is going on.”

“Will you call me back and fill me in?

“Of course. Keep your cell phone on. You said 3:30?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be here or at Crabapple Farm. I’ll call you as soon as I know something. And Honey, please calm down. Brian wouldn’t say that Trixie is okay unless she is. I don’t want you to have an accident.”

Jim hung up and immediately called Brian, who didn’t share much more than he’d told Diana, but assured Jim that he was welcome to visit later that afternoon, once Trixie was up. It was agreed that Jim would bring Honey over once she arrived from Albany.

Just as Brian hung up the phone, it rang again. It was Dan, calling to check on how Trixie was doing and to share that he had been allowed in her apartment. A woman detective had followed him through the apartment, noting everything he’d removed, but he had some clothing and was on his way to Sleepyside.

Peter Belden came into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee while Brian was talking to Dan. He took a sip and immediately spat it into the sink, just as Brian hung up. “Ice cold and stale. I should have checked it first.” He stepped over to the cabinet and took out the coffee can. “Anyone else want coffee?”

“Make a full pot, Dad. I was just going to do it myself.”

“Word must be out about your sister, the way the phone’s been ringing.”

“I’m sorry it woke you.”

“No. I needed to get up. I don’t want to screw up my internal clock too much. So who’s been calling?

“Diana called from the road. Then apparently she called Honey who called Jim and Jim just called. That last call was Dan, and he’s on his way with some clothes and things for Trixie.”

“Has anyone called Bobby? He needs to know.” Peter poured water into the top of the coffee maker and flipped the switch.

“Will he be okay if we call him? I mean he’s alone at school.”

“You don’t want him reading about it in the paper or something. Hand me the phone. He needs to hear and I’m the best one to tell him.”

Trixie lay in the bed, trying to convince herself that she could tolerate the excruciating burning sensation in her left arm and shoulder and cursing the pain medications that had worn off enough to allow her to experience such pain while still feeling as if she were in a mental fog. The contraption that Brian had called a sling and swathe was supposed to keep her shoulder immobilized, but all it had managed to do was make her sweat. The phone ringing woke her completely and she became acutely aware that, no matter how painful her shoulder, the pressure in her bladder felt worse. A few minutes later, the phone rang again and she knew she couldn’t delay the trip to the bathroom any longer. She managed to roll to her right side and place one foot onto the floor. Clenching her teeth, she pushed herself upright with her right arm. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she gasped for breath.

Cursing loudly, she considered giving up and lying back down. However her full bladder demanded otherwise. Clenching her teeth again, she managed to stand and take a few steps towards the doorway, bolts of pain radiating from her injured shoulder with each movement. Slowly, cursing with each step, she had made it into the hallway, when Brian came running up the back stairs from the kitchen.

“Trixie. Why didn’t you call for help?”

“I don’t need help, dammit. I do need to get to the bathroom.”

“Let me help you.” Brian stepped up to his sister.

“Dammit. I told you. I need to pee and you can’t do it for me. And the only way to get to the toilet is to walk. You can’t do that for me either.”

“I can help you up the hall. And you’re due for another dose of pain meds.”

“I don’t want them! Dammit!” Trixie moaned and grabbed the wall. “This hurts like hell.” She managed to gasp out.

Brian placed an arm around her waist and walked with her to the bathroom door. Trixie stopped and looked up at her brother. “You’re not coming in here with me.”

“You’re in pain.”

“You’re not watching me…”

“I’m a doctor.”

Trixie flipped her brother the bird, stepped in and tried to slam the door shut, but it only moved a few inches. She pushed it shut the rest of the way, cursing from the pain. Somehow, she managed to do her business and reopen the door, to find Brian leaning against the wall, holding a pain capsule between his thumb and forefinger. “Do you need water?”

“They make me groggy.”

“And screaming and cursing in pain is better?”

Trixie took the capsule and popped it in her mouth.

“The pain will ease off once the inflammation goes down. The meds will help some, but you need to keep your shoulder immobilized for that to happen. You were moving around in the bed quite a bit when I checked on you earlier. That didn’t help.” Brian stepped back. “Moms has soup warming. Do you want me to bring up a bowl?”

“I’m not getting back in that bed. It was a BITCH getting out of it. If I need to sleep, I’ll do it sitting up.”

“We’ll get you comfortable in a recliner.” Brian followed Trixie as she headed towards the stairs, cursing with each step. “I know you hurt, Trix, but I suggest you clean up your language a bit in front of Moms.

“What were the phone calls? Have you heard from Dan?”

“Dan’s on his way with some clothes. And word’s gotten out, Trix, so several people have called. Jim called for details. Honey’s on her way down from Albany. Mart and Diana should be here any time.”

“Honey? Mart and Di?” Trixie stepped down onto the top stair and stopped.

“They were planning to come for Moms’ dinner tonight, but I think they’ll just stop by to check on you instead.”

“Oh, gee. Dinner.” Trixie looked up at her brother with tired eyes. “I don’t want to ruin dinner. It was for you.”

“You haven’t ruined anything. The family and BWG’s want to check on you and for some reason catch up with me. Moms already has a bunch of food, so she’s going to feed whoever shows up, but I think rest is what’s most important for you.”

Trixie headed slowly down the stairs. “I’ll get my rest, thanks to these effing pain meds.”

Trixie and Brian continue to fuss at each other as she slowly came down the stairs. Trixie insisted on sitting at the kitchen table while she ate some soup. Brian and her parents exchanged silent looks of concern, but didn’t encourage her to talk. Once she ate about half the bowlful, she settled into one of the recliner chairs in the family room with a large mug of her favorite herbal tea. Peter followed her and sat in the other recliner, pretending to read the newspaper, but actually trying to reassure himself that she was okay. Trixie almost immediately surrendered to the pain medications and fell asleep, the tea untouched.

Peter took the mug from the stand beside his daughter and tiptoed into the kitchen, where Helen was working and Brian was loading the dishwasher. “She’s out.”

“Those pills are pretty potent. She’s fighting taking them, but I think it’s for the best that we keep her medicated for a day or two. If she keeps her shoulder immobile, the swelling and inflammation will go down faster and there will be much less pain.” Brian offered solemnly. “If she’s sleeping, she might not move around too much. But I do think she’ll be more comfortable in a recliner than her bed.”

“I’ll move one up to her room later,” Peter offered. “We have the pair in the family room and another in my office.

“We’ll see, Dad. She’s pretty well sedated for now and the pain should be tolerable. She’s going to want to see everyone when they arrive.”

“It sounds like Mart and Diana pulling up.” Helen stepped over and looked out the kitchen window. “It is.” She looked over at Brian as she went over to the door. “I don’t want to disturb Trixie.”

“Trixie will be fine, Moms,” Brian interjected. “She’ll just need to keep that shoulder immobile.”

Helen opened the door, hurried over to the car and immediately took Katie from Mart. “There’s my favorite granddaughter. Oh my, look how she’s grown.”

Mart handed over his daughter and smiled at Diana. “Last time I’ll hold her all weekend. How much you want to bet? And you’ll have plenty of time to visit.”

Mart and Diana enjoyed a quick lunch and Diana put Katie down for a nap upstairs before joining her mother-in-law in the kitchen.

“Was Dan with Trixie when all this happened?” Diana asked as she walked into the room

“No. Apparently he arrived at her apartment right after. Oh, Di. I think they’re in love.” Moms was smiling broadly. “Dan and Trixie.”

“Mart thinks he’s always been in love with Trixie. Just took this long for him to do anything.”

“Dan was so much help last night.” She looked towards the door to the family room. “He stayed behind to try to get into Trixie’s apartment. It’s secured as a crime scene, so we couldn’t get in last night. But she needs clothes and some other things. She doesn’t even have her wallet. Somehow, he got in and he’s on his way now with her things.

“Oh, Diana, if you could have seen him last night. It would take a romance novelist to describe it. He’s so in love with her. And she was drugged and in pain, but her face still lit up when she saw him.”

“So it all happened inside her apartment? Will she want to go back and live there?”

“Trixie’s got a lot of time to decide that once she’s feeling better. For now, she can stay here.”

Diana walked over to the refrigerator, dropped some ice cubes into a glass and then filled it with water from the tap before sitting back down at the kitchen table, wondering what she and Mart could do to help Trixie through her recovery.

Trixie managed to nap for most of the afternoon, while her mother and Diana kept busy grabbing the phone as more and more people learned about the shooting and called to check on Trixie. As far as they could determine, the New York City media was reporting that a man had been shot and killed by a police officer, but Trixie’s name hadn’t been released. Once it was, they feared they would have to unplug the phone.

Dan arrived next with a canvas satchel of clothing and toiletries for Trixie. She had given him a list the prior evening, but was so groggy Dan had known it was incomplete. He was embarrassed to be going through her things while under the watchful eye of the detective, so he grabbed a few shirts, jeans and underpants from her drawers. He’d also made sure he got her hair brush, toothbrush, and the peach-scented shampoo from the bathroom. Those weren’t on her list, but after being up for over twenty-four hours he could only think about how much he loved the smell of that shampoo. He was checking to see what he might have missed when he saw her purse sitting in the corner. He’d been surprised to find it intact, assuming a good crime scene investigator would have searched it. The detective added its contents to her checklist and he dropped it into the canvas bag with her other things.

The pain medication continued to keep Trixie groggy and didn’t relieve all of her pain, but when Dan arrived with clean clothes, she insisted on taking a shower and allowed Diana to help her. She and Diana were still upstairs when Honey came flying through the kitchen door without knocking.

“How is she?” She called out as she rushed through the kitchen towards the family room. “Trixie?” A half dozen people began laughing at her. “Where’s Trixie?”

Mart got up and came over. “I’m delighted to see you too, Honey.” He gave her a hug. “Trixie’s upstairs taking a shower. Diana was the only person she’d allow to help.”

“She’s okay? I thought…”

Jim had followed his sister in and was now standing behind her. “Where’s Trixie? How is she?”

“Where’s Aggie?”

“She’s right here.” Jim stepped aside to allow her in. He looked into the family room. “Is Trixie upstairs? How is she?”

Mart shook hands with Jim and hugged Aggie before taking their jackets and hanging them up. Brian explained the details of Trixie’s injury. Once he finished, they all sat around the large pine kitchen table while Dan filled everyone in on what he had learned in the past few hours.

Dan explained that Trixie had been investigating a series of attacks and murders of young women and had made a connection to one in Sleepyside several years ago.

“The Liz Daly murder.” Honey added. “Her boyfriend was convicted even though Trixie suspected it was her brother.”

“Yeah.” Dan agreed. “And, as we know she can be, Trixie refused to back down from her suspicions and the brother, Gene Daly, wasn’t too happy. He began stalking her and…”

“Stalking?” Mart almost jumped up from his chair.

“I don’t have a lot of details, but there were some strange, ah, incidents that, in hindsight, we think were him.”

“Anyway, this Daly guy was waiting for Trixie when she got home last night. You guys know the rest. Our Trixie was faster and smarter, but she…” Dan couldn’t say the words. Trixie had shot and killed her assailant.

Dan continued to explain that there is always an internal investigation when a police officer shoots someone. Trixie would be placed on administrative leave, even if she were physically able to return to work, until she was absolved of wrongdoing. While he was confident that the outcome would prove what they knew, that the shooting was justified, the investigation would be intense. Trixie would be interviewed at least once by investigators with the Internal Affairs Division, called the IAD. There was the possibility that it would be turned over to the District Attorney, but he doubted this case would go that far. The prior evening he had feared that she was in no condition to speak clearly and the investigators might be confused or take advantage of that, so he had insisted she leave immediately for Sleepyside.

“How serious is her injury?” Mart turned to his older brother.

“It’s very painful, but she should fully recover with physical therapy. She’s a real bear right now from the pain,” Brian explained.

They all laughed.

“That’s why she needs to be medicated,” Brian added.

“I spoke to her captain this morning,” Dan shared. “He’s confident that she’ll be absolved from any wrong-doing. But he said the Internal Affairs investigators were upset that she had come out to Sleepyside before giving them a statement. That’s my fault. I told Brian to get her out here so she can sleep and...” Dan also knew that they’d be showing up unannounced any time.

Brian explained that Trixie was pretty heavily sedated and probably should be for at least another 24 hours. It was agreed that Trixie should not meet with the investigators without someone else present, preferably Dan or Brian—not to avoid her cooperating, but to ensure she wasn’t confused or intimidated when she was interviewed.

Of course, that thinking went against everything Dan had been taught in law school and that he had been sworn to do as an officer of the court, but this was Trixie. Trixie had been traumatized and injured and his instincts to protect her overshadowed any other concerns.

Helen Belden insisted that everyone stay for dinner. It was a warm and sunny Indian Summer evening, so Brian and his father grilled burgers outside and they enjoyed the salads that Diana and Helen had prepared. Trixie dozed in the recliner, oblivious to the animated conversation of her friends and family, during the meal preparation. Despite her obvious discomfort, she insisted on joining everyone at the dinner table.

Once they ate and Trixie was settled back into the recliner chair, everyone joined her in the family room. Helen was in the kitchen, getting the pies she had baked earlier, when the door from the service porch flew open.

“Trixie? Where’s Trixie? Hey, Trix! I need you to fix a speeding ticket for me!”

Helen rushed over and wrapped her arms around the husky six-footer in the doorway. “Bobby!”

After everyone had greeted Bobby and they were settled back in the family room, he explained how he had gotten the speeding ticket that needed a fix. Apparently, he had jumped into his car immediately after his father’s phone call. Just a few miles from Albany, he had run out of gas and had to hike some distance to a filling station. Once he was back on the road again, he was even more anxious to get to Sleepyside. He’d cruised right past a radar gun doing 80 in a 55 mph zone. He had tried to explain to the Trooper that he was concerned about his NYPD cop sister, but the officer didn’t buy that. Bobby did not share that this was his third violation in two months.

“So Trix, is there anyway it can be…

“No!” Trixie and Dan chorused together.

Once they finished the pie and ice cream, Aggie began gathering the dirty dishes and headed into the kitchen.

“Aggie, dear. Those can wait. Sit down and enjoy yourself.” Helen followed her into the kitchen. Jim followed and he and Helen convinced his fiancée that she was very much a part of the group.

“I’ve never known you to leave dirty dishes to wait, Moms. You would have had me up until all hours making sure that every dish was cleaned and dried and placed in its proper cabinet.” Trixie teased when they came back out. “I don’t even remember your leaving a pot to soak!”

Helen still kept an immaculate kitchen, but she knew that Trixie was drawing upon all her strength to stay awake and it could only last so long. She knew that she would have plenty of help from the others once Trixie gave up and went to bed. “I don’t get to see everyone that often. The dishes will still be there later.”

Mart almost choked on the bite of pie he was chewing.

“I have such wonderful memories of evenings spent in this room, playing games and…” Honey offered, fighting back the tears. She had stayed at Trixie’s side all afternoon and evening, often fighting tears, determined to show her friend support, but the memories were getting to be too much for her. She now was sitting on the floor beside her friend’s chair. Dan, who had stayed on the other side of Trixie all day and was sitting on the other side of the chair, grabbed Trixie’s hand.

“I’m sorry, Honey. I wish we could toast marshmallows and play games tonight,” Trixie offered. “Twenty questions would be fun. I guess I ruined…”

“You did not ruin anything. We’re all here together, and that’s special; no matter what brought us here.” Honey stopped short. Only Mrs. Belden and Diana knew she hadn’t planned to come that weekend.

“And it’s not all that different from the old days.” Mart offered. “Trixie was investigating a mystery and got into a jam. Jim wasn’t there to rescue her this time, but Dan and Brian were. And now all the BWG’s are together cleaning up…or we will be when Moms can’t stand the idea of her kitchen being any less than immaculate.”

Trixie looked over at Jim and then Aggie. Aggie was always reserved around the Bob Whites, but she had stepped right up to help Moms in the kitchen and they had talked a bit during dinner. Jim hadn’t said a single word to her all afternoon or evening, but she had noticed his watching her closely when he thought no one would notice.

Jim was sitting on the sofa between Bobby and Aggie, his forehead wrinkled in thought or concern.

“Honey told me that you’re having plans drawn up for your school.” She decided to force Jim to speak to her.

Jim smiled halfheartedly. “Yeah. We’ve hired an engineering firm and they’ve assured me that there’s more than enough land to build everything I want at Ten Acres.” He pointed out the window in the direction of his great-uncle’s home. “They’re preparing the plans now and I hope to start fundraising the first of the year.”

“Thanks to our father, Jim’s inheritance has grown considerably. And Daddy started a fund for the school that is huge,” Honey added. “I think he has enough to build the first buildings, but he’s going to need even more money to operate the school. Daddy’s helping him set up a Foundation and…”

“Trixie has to be groggy from her medications, Sis. You don’t need to bore her with financial…”Jim interrupted.

“Brian, tell us about Richmond. I don’t know anything about it other than it’s in Virginia and was the capital of the Confederacy.” Jim changed the subject.

“Brian, did you know that Honey…” Honey quickly shushed Trixie. She had told Trixie about her visit from Special Agent Coulter and Trixie had resolved to get her friend away from Barry. She was just giddy enough from the pain medications to think of playing matchmaker, but Brian didn’t notice the two women.

“I don’t know what I can tell you.” All heads turned to Brian as he shared his excitement about joining the pediatric oncology unit at The Medical College of Virginia.

Mart was teasing his brother about Southern colloquialisms when he noticed that Dan was leaning back against Trixie’s chair, sound asleep. Trixie also had dozed off. He got his mother’s attention and motioned towards the two.

Helen smiled and nodded her understanding. “Brian, didn’t you say that we should move a recliner upstairs for Trixie so she’ll be more comfortable.

Brian and Mart jumped up simultaneously and went over to the other recliner where their father also was asleep.

“Dad?”

Peter almost jumped out of his chair. “Trixie? Is she okay?” He sat up straight.

“We need your chair, Dad. To carry upstairs?”

Peter stood up. “Of course.” He started to pull the chair away from the corner. “I’ll take...”

“I’ve got this, Dad,” Mart insisted.

“You don’t want to hurt your back or something, Dad.” Brian stepped to the other side of the chair, and he and Mart each took an arm.

Peter grabbed the foot rest and the chair fell back with a loud thump. “There’s nothing wrong with my back. I can out lift you any day, Brian Belden. You need to go count pills. Trixie will be ready for more pain meds when she wakes up.”

“I’m already awake. What are you clowns trying to do?” Trixie moaned as she tried to get out of the other recliner. “I swear. Mart, Brian, you two will never grow up.”

The confusion also woke Dan and he was now standing. Seeing that Trixie was having difficulty getting out of her chair, he tried to help her, but almost tripped over Mart who had squeezed between the two recliners.

“Mart! You’re jostling your sister.” He helped Trixie out of the chair.

“What are you guys doing?” Trixie asked again, the pain obvious in her voice.

Mart, Peter and Brian stopped simultaneously and turned to her.

”Are you all right?” they chorused.

“Are you ready for some meds?” Brian dropped the side of the chair he was holding. “Dammit Mart, you woke up your sister.”

“Brian said you need a chair in your room.”

“I think they’re trying to take a chair upstairs for you.” Bobby explained as he and Jim crossed the room.

“Then could the two of you take this chair?” Trixie asked. “Moms never sits in this.” Trixie took Dan’s arm and stepped aside. “It should go in my room.”

“Moms, you don’t care if we take yours?” Bobby asked his mother.

Their mother was sitting on the large ottoman across the room, tears streaming down her face.

“Ohmigosh. I haven’t laughed like this in so long! Oh, my.” She wiped her eyes.

“I love that chair.” The four children had given their parents the matching recliners for Christmas several years earlier. “But Trixie needs it more. As long as I can find someone to carry it down when Trixie doesn’t need it any longer.”

She looked at her husband and then her two oldest sons. “If they can ever stop fighting over the other chair.”

Bobby, who stood several inches taller than Jim, adeptly took the chair and started to lift it up. Jim grabbed the other side and they sidled across the room, out into the hallway.”

Trixie then asked Brian if her pain meds were in the kitchen.

“What? You want your meds?” He immediately stepped over to help Trixie into the kitchen. Dan followed them.

Once he was assured that Trixie had taken the pills, Brian returned to the family room, knowing that the other two wanted to say good night.

“I’m okay, Dan.” Trixie tried to assure him.

“You’re not.” Dan pushed a curl back from her forehead. “You gave me quite a scare last night. I honestly didn’t want to let you leave with your parents.”

“I don’t know what we would have done without you. And you still haven’t told me how you managed to get into a crime scene and take out clothing…and my purse.” Trixie laughed; then grimaced with pain.

“How bad is the pain?” Dan gently stroked her uninjured shoulder. “I hate seeing you like this.”

“It’s been okay today. Brian has kept me well-medicated. But when I woke up this morning, it hurt like a…” Trixie smiled.

“Swore like a sailor when you got up, did you?”

Trixie leaned her head against Dan, then swore and pulled away. “Dammit, I can’t even rest my head.”

“You’ll heal, Trix. And then it won’t hurt; to lean your head against my shoulder…and do other things. I promise you.”

“We’ll finish what we started? I told you I‘m ready, Dan, and I am.”

Dan leaned down and kissed her forehead, and then quickly stepped back. “You need to get upstairs and I…I don’t even know where I’m staying tonight. I called Uncle Bill this morning, but never called back to let him know I’d be here overnight.”

“Moms will let you stay here.”

“You’ve got to be kidding. They way I feel right now, I’m going to share a room with one of your brothers, less than ten feet from you?” He leaned down and kissed her on the lips.

“Your throne awaits you, Trixie. Moms is getting some blankets and...” Bobby ran down the back stairs into the kitchen. “Hey! Were you? You were. Dan? Trixie?” Bobby stopped and crossed his arms, looking from one to the other. “Dan, were you kissing my sister?”

“How long has this been going on? And why doesn’t anyone ever tell me anything?” He started to back away.

“Bobby, I think I need some help getting upstairs. Would you help me?”

“You sure you don’t need more time?” He directed this to Dan, but he stepped towards his sister.

“No one’s told me exactly what happened, Trixie. This guy you shot was a serial killer? And you and Dan are a couple? The BWG’s have left me out again! I’m not six anymore. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been in some kind of time warp, always six. At least, that’s the way you guys treat me.”

Trixie offered Bobby her right arm and allowed him to help her up the stairs. “I’m not sure where to begin. Did you ever hear about the murder of a Sleepyside High student, Liz Daly? It happened right around when you were born. She was a senior at Sleepyside High and….

“Tell me everything, Trixie. About the serial killer and Dan and…”

Dan watched a very grown up Bobby help his now “little” sister up the stairs.

“How long have you and my sister been…” Brian came into the kitchen carrying several empty pie pans.

“Been what?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.”

“We’re…we’ve just started seeing each other, Brian…I’m…We’re…”

Brian set the pans in the sink, turned around and offered his right hand. “It looks to me like you’re falling in love with her, but Trixie needs more than love. She needs someone who’ll respect her, support her, and know when to give her space. It won’t be easy, but I trust you to be that man.”

Dan swallowed hard and grasped the offered hand. “I can only try.”

Patricia's Passages Bob-White Trilogy Index

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