It was a sunny warm morning with barely a cloud in the sky and temperatures heading into the sixties as Dan drove up the Taconic Parkway through southern Westchester County, but he was oblivious to the gorgeous weather. He was headed out to Sleepyside to check on Trixie and she was all he could think about.

He had spent most of the prior Sunday with her and her family at Crabapple Farm, trying to reassure himself that she would be okay. He knew that even a strong woman like Trixie would be challenged by the physical and emotional trials she was facing, and while he was confident that that Brian and her parents would care for her, he had been reluctant to return to the city that evening. He was in love with her. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to be the one to care for and support her. He knew she would scoff at his feelings of protectiveness, but he felt that, too.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts he almost missed his exit and cut off two drivers to make it. But he didn’t care. Fifteen more minutes and he would be holding her in his arms…gently, of course.

Brian came out of the barn when Dan pulled into the driveway of Crabapple Farm. Dan parked the car and greeted him. “How is she? How is she, really?”

“We went to the Orthopedist this morning and he said she’s doing remarkably well. She still needs to wear the sling. She’s taking much less pain meds, but she’s crabby as hell, so she should probably be taking more.” Brian laughed. “I think seeing you’ll improve her mood, significantly.”

“How’d it go with the Investigators from IAD?” The two headed towards the house. Just as he’d predicted, they had arrived at Crabapple Farm unannounced. Trixie had been evasive when he’d talked to her, but he knew Brian been present during the interview.

“I insisted that I sit in—as her physician.” They both laughed. “They were pretty direct and no-nonsense, but not too pushy. She was pretty groggy when they started and I was concerned, but, gee, Dan; she was terrific. She was able to recall almost everything in detail and, as far as I could tell, she answered all their questions professionally and correctly.” Brian stopped and turned to his friend. “She’s a terrific cop, isn’t she?”

“It’s what I hear. Her captain thinks so. I’ve talked to him a couple times this week. I think he wants to come out.”

“I think she’d like that. Anything to improve her disposition.”

Brian stood, hands in his pockets, looking down as he dragged the toe of his boot in the gravel. Dan knew something wasn’t right, but was afraid to ask.

“She’s having nightmares,” Brian finally offered. “I knew…” He looked up. “As a doctor, I know this is normal, but it can’t be ignored. It’s going to be up to Moms and Dad, but…” He hesitated. “I’m trusting you to watch and make sure they don’t get worse…and that she gets help.”

“I…” Dan was confused. Was Brian suggesting? He smiled. ”We’re not sleeping together, Brian.” Dan blurted out, hoping that Brian didn’t realize he’d left off one important word—yet.

Brian laughed nervously. “She’s going to need help if they don’t go away.”

“I think it’s safe to assume she’ll need a psych clearance to go back to work. I’ll stay on top of it.”

Trixie was dozing in her father’s recliner when Dan and Brian walked in. Dan stood at the doorway between the kitchen and family room, not wanting to disturb her, when she opened her eyes and smiled.

“Counselor.” She sat up a bit and winced. “It’s early. I didn’t expect you until tonight sometime.”

Dan rushed over. “I took the day off. Are you okay, Trix? Do you need some…”

Trixie reached up to him with her right arm. “I’m okay. I’ve been telling you that all week. Help me here.”

Dan took her arm, grabbed her waist, and helped her out of the chair. Trixie stepped up and kissed him. “And a doctor told me that this morning. A DOCTOR OTHER THAN BADGERING, OVERBEARING BRIAN BELDEN.” She laughed.

“I’m going crazy here. I mean, I expect Moms to be doting on me. And I know I gave Dad a scare, so he’s in Papa Bear mode. But you’d think a medical professional would know when to back off.” She stood on tiptoes and kissed Dan on the cheek. “Think you can spring me for the afternoon?”

Dan looked back towards the kitchen. “Are you up to it?”

“Up to it? I’m desperate! I’m not sure what I might do if I don’t get out of this house. They’re smothering me, Dan. Just a ride. Take me for a ride. I know I look like…” Trixie looked down at the jeans and tattered plaid shirt she was wearing, and then touched her hair. “I’ve taken to wearing Dad’s old shirts so that I can dress myself.” She chuckled. “Seriously, Dan. I’m still hurting a bit, but I need to get out more.” She pointed towards the window. “And Al Roker said it’s to going to be sunny and in the sixties this afternoon. I’m definitely up for a ride.”

“Get a jacket, then. Just in case. We’ll get some lunch and find a place for a picnic.”

Trixie was headed towards the hall closet before he finished. “Brian? We’re going for a drive.”

Brian had been busying himself on the service porch and came inside when Trixie called him.

“Are you sure?” He looked at Dan. “She was out already today.”

“She says you’re smothering her. We won’t do much. I’ll drive and she can doze if she needs.”

“Ready, Dan?” Trixie was smiling and looked better than she had all week.

“Is that a blanket? I think it’s a little cool to sit on the ground.” Dan reached to take the ugly blue and brown plaid bundle.

“It’s a poncho.”

Dan held it up, revealing that it was a large wool poncho with long tasseled ties.

“It was my mother’s. From before she had taste.” Trixie stuck out her tongue. “I still don’t have a coat and it is easy to get on and off.” She took it from Dan. “It’s thirty years old. I can’t believe the moths haven’t…”

“It may be too ugly for the moths to eat.” Dan guided Trixie out the back door and to his car.

Dan first headed into Sleepyside where he got burgers and drinks at Wimpy’s while Trixie waited in the car. They then headed up Highland Avenue to Croton-Point Park.

Dan pulled his car into the vast parking area, surprised to see only two other vehicles. While it was a workday, he thought more people would be taking advantage of the warm sunny weather. He helped Trixie out of the car and they walked hand-in-hand across the access drive and to a bench with a breathtaking view of the river valley and the Tappan Zee Bridge in the distance.

“This okay?”

Trixie nodded as she sat down and draped the poncho over her. She and Dan chatted while eating their lunch, each carefully avoiding any mention of the shooting and events of the past week. The only interruption was from an elderly couple who walked past and said hello.

Once assured Dan had finished his lunch, Trixie dramatically balled up her napkin, took a sip of her soda, and cleared her throat. “So, did Brian fill you in on my visit from IAD?”

“He didn’t give any details, but he said he was impressed with your professionalism. How do you think it went?”

“Okay, I guess. Dan, I know that you coached Brian and my parents, and that it was your idea that Brian sit in on my interview. I can’t believe they allowed him, but he is a Belden, and we can be…”

“Stubborn?”

“I was going to say persuasive. Dan, I want your support. But, gee, how do I say this?” Trixie hesitated, wanting to say the right thing. “Those IAD guys aren’t paid to whitewash this.”

“It was a clean shoot, Trixie.”

“I know that. At least I need to know that. I thought I was prepared for anything I might encounter as a cop, but I wasn’t prepared for this.”

“I don’t see how you could be.”

Trixie shrugged. “As I said, I know you’re concerned. But they were very interested, in fact you might say, obsessed with the fact that there was a Task Force established to lead the investigation and I took off on my own to focus on Gene Daly. Then, even though it’s obvious to an idiot that he’s a serial killer who wanted me to be his next victim, he ends up dead in my apartment. I don’t know how they might explain away my broken shoulder but…” She shook her head. “They kept going back to his connection with Sleepyside and if we knew each other; if any of my family knew him...that sort of thing.”

“I want you to stay as far away from all of this as possible. Dan,” Trixie choked on the words. “The next step will be to turn it over to…” Trixie couldn’t speak.

Dan scooted over and put his arm around Trixie. “I’d resign first.” Trixie turned and leaned into him, letting the tears flow. “But it won’t come to that, Trix.”

Trixie shook her head, and then swore. She looked up at Dan, tears running down her face. “I can’t even cry without it hurting.”

They both laughed nervously and Trixie sat back up. “It’s a real possibility. If charges are made, your office will be the prosecuting. You need to keep your distance from me. I don’t want this to destroy your career, too.”

Dan pulled her back to him. “It was a clean shoot. Do you hear me? And it won’t destroy either of our careers. You might want to get a lawyer, just in case. But, dammit, Trixie, I’m not leaving you. That’s not negotiable. I’m here, right beside you.”

The young couple sat silently for some time, enjoying the light breeze and view.

“I want you close.” Trixie finally broke the silence. “I need you close.”

Dan leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips, but pulled away when he heard the older couple headed back towards them.

“Lovely day, isn’t it?” The gentleman asked as he offered his hand. “Michael Mullican.”

Dan stood and shook it. “Incredible view.”

“Yes. Annie and I have been coming here, since…How long has it been, Annie?”

The petite lady beside him laughed. “You know perfectly well that you proposed to me here in 1942, right before you shipped out.”

“We were enjoying a picnic, just like you are. Then we eloped right after that. Her father never did approve.”

“We came here as often as we could over the years, but with seven children, it wasn’t as often as we’d have liked. We’ve made up for it by coming to walk the trail almost every day since Michael retired.”

“Married over fifty years? Seven children? You should be proud,” Trixie offered.

“Seven children, twenty-three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.” There was a trace of pride in Annie’s voice. “But I can’t say that’s something to brag about. How long have you two been married?” she asked Trixie.

Trixie laughed. “We’re not married.”

The older woman smiled and shook her head in disbelief, then took her husband’s hand to guide him along.

Dan sat down and watched the older couple head towards the parking lot. Trixie leaned back against him and he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

Inhaling the peachy scent from her hair, he closed his eyes and mumbled, “Not yet.”

Patricia's Passages Bob-White Trilogy Index

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