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It was well past midnight when Trixie finished packing. Certain she'd have trouble sleeping, she fixed a cup of herbal tea and sat on the sofa wrapped in her favorite quilt trying to wind down enough to sleep. But her mind was racing. On the one hand, she was delighted to be spending three days with Dan, and especially to be traveling to Virginia with him. While Dan was very modest about his academic accomplishments, she knew that he HAD to be very proud to have attended a prestigious law school and she wanted to allow him the opportunity to share that part of his life with her. On the other hand, she was petrified at the idea of meeting all his friends from law school. Jennifer Gordon had been very much a part of Dan's life in Virginia and she doubted there would be many people she'd meet that weekend who didn't know Jen. Many who may be Jennifer's friends. How would they receive Dan's new...

New what? What exactly was she to Dan? New girlfriend? Trixie supposed she was, although that term seemed somewhat, somewhat...What? Adolescent? Out-dated? It didn't seem to adequately describe her relationship with Dan, but there didn't seem to be any better description. They'd been "just friends" for so long, but, now, it wasn't exactly clear what they were to each other. They weren't lovers.

Yet.

Trixie finally dozed off wondering about their new relationship and what course it might take over the weekend.

x x x

It seemed only minutes later that the buzzing of the alarm awakened Trixie. Instinctively, she rolled off the sofa and ran to shut it off before flopping onto her bed. As she attempted to gain full consciousness, she drifted between romantic dreams and the real world of chilly pre-dawn darkness and the need to shower and dress. She suddenly leaped up and hurried into the bathroom, remembering that Dan was coming and she was spending three full days with him!

Trixie was dressed and waiting in the small entry area of her apartment building when Dan pulled up in front. He was somewhat surprised to see her there and double-parked directly in front of the entrance before popping the hood of the car's trunk. He got out and headed around the car to help Trixie with her luggage when he stopped abruptly. He laughed heartily when he saw her struggling with her bags. Over the years he had come to know her to always pack lightly, but that morning she was trying to handle three suitcases of varying sizes.

Trixie set her largest suitcase down on the sidewalk and stared at him. "What's the problem?"

"Trixie, we'll only be gone for three days."

Trixie wasn't sure how to react. She knew she had packed entirely too many clothes, but the number of outfits she folded and packed the prior evening had seemed to grow in direct proportion to her anxiety. In an attempt to ensure she had whatever type of clothing she might need, she had packed almost her entire fall wardrobe!

"Just put them in the car, Counselor. It's too early in the morning for snide or sexist comments."

"If they'll fit!" Dan laughed as he placed the first bag into his tiny trunk.

x x x

Having made sure they left early enough to miss the worst traffic, they had no trouble getting out of the City and were headed south on the New Jersey Turnpike as the sun began to rise in the east. It was obvious to Dan that Trixie was both excited and nervous about the weekend. If he were to be honest, he was just as nervous as she was. He knew Trixie was a beautiful, talented, and intelligent young woman. He knew that most of his friends would see her as the same, but he worried about the few who would only see the physical resemblance between Trixie and Jen Gordon and feared what comments might be said and Trixie's reaction to them.

"Heck with 'em." He mumbled just as they were passing the Cranbury exit.

"Mmm?" Trixie looked startled.

"Sorry Trixie," Dan didn't know how to explain his thoughts. "I ah, was thinking about, ah, work. Guess I need to leave it behind. I, I guess."

"You're right about that. Of course, I was just thinking about work, too." Trixie laughed as she tapped Dan on the shoulder.

The next few hours passed quickly in animated conversation. Dan timed the trip so that with a short stop to use restrooms and grab some breakfast, they avoided the worst traffic in Philadelphia. They did get to Baltimore at the worst possible time, but fortunately traffic thinned somewhat as they neared Washington. Before they realized how long the trip had been, they had bypassed Washington and were pulling off Interstate 66 to head south on U.S. 29 towards Charlottesville.

"Mosby Heritage Area," Trixie read a sign as they passed it. "What's that?" She turned towards Dan.

"Historic designation or something. For tourists I think. You've never heard of the Grey Ghost? Mosby's Raiders?"

"Are they like Icabod Crane and the Headless Horseman?"

"No, they aren't fictitious; they were real night marauders during the Civil War, when most of this area of Virginia was occupied by the Union Army. While there were some real battles, like Bull Run, most of the activity involved spying and sabotage." Dan glanced over to see if he were boring Trixie with his love of historical tales. She smiled and urged him to go on.

"Colonel John S. Mosby was an attorney who, after joining the Confederate army, led a group of soldiers from the area who were infamous for their night-time raids, kidnappings, destroying rail lines and confiscating supplies headed to the battlefront. They were known to hang Yankee Spies." He laughed. "The Union Army had a huge bounty on his head, but he was never captured. There are countless stories about his exploits.

"A friend of mine from law school grew up in a house where Mosby was ALMOST captured. He said strangers would knock on the door and ask if that was the house where Mosby was captured, so his parents had a prepared story they told with an exaggerated accent, cursing Yankees and all, about Mosby escaping out a back window as the Yankee soldiers rode up the road." Dan laughed remembering his friend's recounting of the tale.

"Neat. I guess there's a lot of Civil War history in this area."

"We're almost to Warrenton now, Trixie; would you like to stop there?"

Trixie nodded her agreement and they watched for the Warrenton exit.

x x x

Not long after Trixie and Dan crossed into New Jersey, an alarm clock buzzed in Albany, New York. Honey Wheeler reached to turn it off when someone grabbed her hand and reached over her to hit the button.

"Mmm?" She murmured. "Whadimeistit?"

"Too early to get up. I want more time with you. More of you."

"Work?"

"All work and no play makes."

"Play?" She opened her eyes and looked up into the eyes of her lover.

"Foreplay." He mumbled into her ear as he pulled her to him.

x x x

It was mid-afternoon when Trixie and Dan drove into Charlottesville. After taking a short detour past the law school and University Hall, the sports arena where the basketball team plays, Dan drove Trixie into the main campus area. After a futile effort to find parking along narrow streets lined with parked automobiles and packed with pedestrians, and finding the visitor parking area full, he headed over to the University Medical Center where there were several parking garages and they easily found parking. The young couple held hands as Dan practically dragged Trixie back towards Mr. Jefferson's "Academical Village". As they cut through the campus, Trixie caught glimpses of the domed Rotunda in the distance. Before they got to it, Dan led her in the opposite direction towards a long row of brick buildings. They walked through an arched passageway and across a landscaped garden. Cutting through a passageway in a second long row of brick buildings, they exited out onto a wide terraced, grassy lawn area.

"This is it, Trixie." Dan dropped her hand and spoke barely above a whisper. "The Lawn."

Trixie stood beside Dan without speaking, respectful of his thoughts and emotions. Looking at the beautiful brick buildings and terraced lawn that seemed to stretch endlessly, she was completely awed. She knew from Dan's telling her in the past, that this was the original campus designed by Thomas Jefferson. To their right was the large domed Rotunda Building. Along both sides of The Lawn were a series of large buildings, the Pavilions, connected by single story Promenades. To the rear of each row were formal gardens separating the Pavilions and the East and West Ranges, the original student housing. People seemed to be walking everywhere, but they kept to the walkways. Not one person cut across the wide expanse of grassy Lawn.

Looking first towards the Rotunda itself and then out across the landscape, Trixie suddenly became aware of how incredible it was that Dan had studied here. She had seen firsthand how hard he had worked and studied in high school and at the Community College, but it wasn't until she saw the majestic campus that she realized exactly what he had accomplished. A scrawny orphaned drop-out, living on the streets, had managed to turn his life around and attend one of the most prestigious law schools in the country. Trixie felt as if her chest would explode with the pride and admiration she felt for this man standing silently beside her.

Trixie grabbed Dan's hand. "I am so proud of you." was all she could think to say. Dan smiled and looked down at her. He squeezed her hand.

"This was the first place I came when I was down here for my admissions interview. One look at this and I almost turned around and drove back out of town. Almost turned around and RAN! I couldn't see myself here, a school for gentlemen that was envisioned and designed by Thomas Jefferson no less." Dan laughed nervously.

"But you didn't turn around. You didn't run."

"No. My advisor at Rutgers had been insistent I apply here. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I went to the interview. Damn if they didn't accept me and. Well." Dan squeezed Trixie's hand. "C'mon. I want you to see everything up close."

x x x

After a tour of the Rotunda, Lawn and surrounding area, Dan and Trixie headed out of town towards Alex's family home. The Barretts lived in rural Albemarle County not far from Charlottesville. Like the Wheeler's Manor House, it was a beautiful estate with horses and stables, enough land for long rides, and many luxurious amenities. Unlike the Wheelers, the Barrett family had owned it for several generations.

Had Trixie and Dan not spent so much time at Manor House during their teen-aged years, they would have been overwhelmed when they pulled onto the long drive and saw the beautiful Georgian manor tucked between two hills. But Dan had been Alex's guest on several prior occasions and Trixie immediately recognized the similarities to Manor House.

Alex was waiting at the front entrance as Dan parked along the drive. He rushed down the steps to greet them. After quickly shaking hands with Dan, Alex pulled Trixie into a tight hug. "Trixie, it's so good to see you again. And I'm so glad you came. My mother and father are waiting inside and Beth is quite anxious to meet you." Alex grabbed some luggage from Dan and led them into the house.

The afternoon and evening passed quickly. After Trixie was shown to her room and freshened up, she returned downstairs. The large house was beginning to fill with friends and relatives arriving for the nuptials. Trixie was introduced to more people than she could ever remember, each of whom seemed friendlier than the last person she had met. Many of the people already were acquainted with Dan and made certain she knew how welcome she was as his guest. Having been almost two years since he had been to Charlottesville, Dan was equally overwhelmed by people happy to see him.

Trixie was unaware of the passing time until she saw a maid turning on a lamp. She glanced at her watch and looked around for Dan.

"Having a good time?" Trixie jumped as Dan came up behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'm afraid I've been neglecting you." She turned around and smiled.

"Oh, no. I mean. Yes. I mean. I'm having a great time, Dan. I was overwhelmed at first but everyone is so nice. I knew before we came that you'd be busy as best man and all. I don't expect you to hold my hand all weekend."

Dan grinned as Trixie fumbled for words. While his attention had been monopolized by other people all afternoon, he had made sure that Trixie was always within his line of sight, admiring from across the way how she was charming everyone. He was feeling incredibly proud and infatuated with her at that moment, having a difficult time not pulling her into his arms and showing her how he felt. "It wouldn't be so bad to hold your hand all weekend. It's almost time to leave for the rehearsal. Do you need anything?"

"I left my jacket and purse upstairs." Trixie turned and started to leave. "Give me a minute to freshen up." Trixie headed across the room, but stopped suddenly. "Ah, Dan?" She looked back at him. "Do you know how I get back to my room?" Dan laughed as he led her through the maze of formal parlors.

x x x

The small room was completely dark except for the flickering television screen and dim rays of autumn sunlight peaking though the slats of the closed blinds. Sounds of traffic crept into the background just as the reporter on the television screen signed off. "This is Carolyn Clark, Channel 8 News, reporting from the East Side, where there really are good Samaritans." A young couple was shown on the screen, walking down a city sidewalk hand in hand. They stopped, kissed, and went on.

"DAMN BITCH."

The television screen went to black as the video tape began rewinding.

"SLUT. SHE'S JUST A %$&*!!"

A beer bottle crashed into the wall behind the television; the rewinding stopped and the news reporter reappeared on the screen. "We go now to Carolyn Clark, reporting from the scene." The camera zoomed in on the young woman. "Thank you, Sherry. A well-known East Side Grocer owes his life to the quick thinking of a one of New York's finest and her companion."

x x x

When the wedding party arrived on the campus in Charlottesville, they were forced to wait outside a small stone chapel just off The Lawn. While waiting, Trixie was introduced to one of the most beautiful young women she had ever met. Beth Dalton not only was physically beautiful, but she radiated personality and kindness. Trixie knew this was to be a small festivity since it was Beth's second marriage, and she wondered what kind of man her first husband was to have allowed Beth to "get away".

Beth immediately welcomed Trixie and took her aside to extol Dan's qualities. When Trixie asked why they were waiting outside since the chapel was lit up and there were obviously people inside, Beth explained to her that there were several weddings in the chapel every weekend and long waiting lists of those who were turned away. Another rehearsal was underway and they couldn't enter until that party had left. Trixie wondered aloud if the ceremony itself would be handled that way. Beth laughed. "No, Trixie. It's not quite an assembly line, but there will probably be two or three ceremonies tomorrow!"

Trixie then asked about the architectural style of the chapel. It looked totally different from any of the surrounding buildings. Beth explained that according to Jefferson's ideas relating to the separation of church and state, the public university he envisioned had no chapel; in fact, he designed the campus with the the library, the Rotunda, as the center. However, many people were critical of this intentional omission, and the chapel was added to the campus in the 1850s. Although some had wanted to place it in front of the Rotunda, the inter-denominational chapel was eventually sited to the west and behind the Rotunda. She speculated that its style was Gothic Revival because Jefferson's Neo-classicism was viewed as secular, whereas the Gothic style is considered more ecclesiastical.

The other party began leaving the chapel and Beth quickly excused herself. Dan took Trixie inside and escorted her to a pew where she could sit and watch the rehearsal. She sat quietly in the darkened chapel, mesmerized by the beauty of the building and a certain handsome young man at the altar. The groom was nice looking too, but she had eyes only for the best man. Dan looked back and smiled. At that moment Trixie realized just how happy she was to be there, and that this was going to be a terrific weekend. She returned his happy gaze.

x x x

Honey Wheeler logged off the computer in her office and pushed her chair away from the desk. She began rummaging through her things, trying to decide what she needed to take with her. She was planning to spend the entire weekend and first few days of the next week in the university library researching and drafting answers to the questions provided by the Forensic Institute. She wanted to take some reference materials from the office, but wasn't sure exactly what she might need.

Rinnnggg. She picked up the phone. It was Barry. She sat back down in the chair. "I was just getting ready to leave, Barry."

"Good. Join me for dinner."

"Barry. I said I was going to isolate myself for the next several days." She protested weakly.

"Yes, but not tonight," Barry pleaded convincingly. "We'll start your break off right. With a bang." He offered.

Honey knew there was no sense in arguing. She was hungry, for dinner and for more. "Let's get some carry-out."

x x x

Trixie startled when someone spoke from the pew behind her. "Are you with the wedding party?" The man whispered.

Trixie quickly composed herself and turned around. A distinguished gentleman with think, wavy white hair and a handsomely sculpted face smiled at her. "I'm sorry," The older man quickly apologized. "I startled you. I'm Burwell Dalton." He offered his hand. "Beth's uncle. And I taught Alex." He quickly added. "They said Dan was bringing a friend from home. Are you she?"

Trixie reached around and offered her hand. "Yes. I'm Trixie Belden." She introduced herself and nodded.

The older gentleman took her hand. "We'll talk later." He sat back in the pew. Trixie turned back around and saw that Dan had seen the exchange. He was smiling broadly and nodding at her. Trixie realized she had met the infamous Judge Burwell C. Dalton, Dan's mentor. She smiled and winked at Dan.

While serving as a judge with the federal district court in Alexandria, Virginia, Judge Dalton presided over several well-publicized cases involving political leaders. His name was on many short-lists for appointment to the United States Supreme Court when he abruptly retired from the bench and joined the faculty of his alma mater, the University of Virginia Law School. Dan had the privilege of studying with him and had told Trixie about his great admiration for the older man.

After the minister excused the bridal party, he asked Dan to stay a moment. Beth rushed up to her uncle and hugged him, followed by several others anxious to greet the distinguished gentleman sitting behind Trixie. It was quickly obvious to Trixie why Dan admired the man as she watched the interaction between Judge Dalton and the others.

"Trixie, you have to meet Judge Dalton," Dan grabbed Trixie and pulled her into the aisle. "Judge, Judge Dalton, this is my friend from Sleepyside. Trixie Belden." Dan introduced her.

"We just met," The judge took her hand and smiled. "I understand you're in law too?" He asked.

"Uh," Trixie blushed. "Well, not exactly." Trixie blushed even more.

"Trixie is a Detective with the New York City PD." Dan clarified. "She's."

"Fascinating," Judge Dalton continued to shake her hand. "You seem young to be a detective." He raised his eyebrows and smiled. "Are you planning to go into law?"

"Being a detective has been my dream forever," Trixie stated. "I've never even considered law school."

"Judge Dalton?" Alex's mother interrupted. "I assume you'll be joining us for dinner? "

"Yes." He responded before turning back to Trixie. "And I'd like to talk some more, Detective."

Dan then took Trixie's arm and they followed the others out of the chapel. Just as Beth had explained earlier to Trixie, another group of people were waiting to enter behind them.

They then drove back to the Barrett's estate, where Alex's parents were hosting a dinner for members of the bridal party and a few other friends and family members.

Trixie enjoyed the evening, as did everyone present. The food and service were excellent, and everyone seemed to go out of their way to make Trixie feel welcome. Unlike that afternoon, Dan never left Trixie's side for more than a few minutes at a time, placing his hand at the small of her back or holding her hand. His desire to show her off was obvious to everyone present. Trixie was both flattered and curious. She had never seen Dan hover over her or any woman that way.

Dan also made sure that he and Trixie spent a good part of the evening with Judge Dalton. It was obvious that he wanted Trixie to understand his admiration for the older man and that the Judge approve of his feelings for Trixie.

Trixie was surprised when she saw Beth and her parents preparing to leave; the evening had passed so quickly. Beth came over to Trixie and Dan, and, once again, she shared how happy she was that Trixie had come. She then whispered in Dan's ear. He smiled before giving Beth a quick hug.

"Beth just told me you're a keeper, Trixie," Dan smiled broadly. "Like I don't already know that."

Trixie blushed, not knowing what to say.

"I'm just so glad that Dan," Beth hesitated before continuing. "That he. I'm so glad you're here and we met." Beth's parents beckoned to her. "I'll see you both tomorrow." She called as she hurried over to them.

Once the Daltons left, the other guests began leaving as well. Soon only Trixie, Dan and Alex were left sitting in the corner of a small parlor. For the next several hours, Dan and Alex entertained Trixie with stories of their experiences in Charlottesville, allowing Trixie to visit a place in Dan's life that he had not shared with her, and probably would have never been comfortable sharing without Alex's encouragement. While Dan was proud of his achievements in law school, he would never feel comfortable bragging about his acaemic accomplishments, and his discomfort talking about anything related to Jennifer Gordon would linger for many years to come.

x x x

Mart Belden slipped the empty bread bag over his wife's hand. "See. Now you can take a long hot soak and not worry about getting this wet," He grinned suggestively. "And if you're good, I might just join you."

"Katie?" Diana started to protest.

"Is sound asleep. We can keep the door ajar to listen." Mart said as he backed out the bathroom door and closed it behind him.

Diana stepped carefully into the tub, humming as she considered how lucky she was; to have a handsome, intelligent husband who loved her in the way Mart did; to have a beautiful, healthy baby; to have a gift of artistic expression that she now was able to use. She sank carefully into the steaming water, leaned back and closed her eyes; not opening them when she heard the door open and close; not opening them when she heard the rustle of clothing being removed and falling to the floor; not opening them when she heard the pop of a cork, the tinkle of glasses, and the pouring of liquid; not opening them until she felt her husband's warm body sliding into the water with her.

x x x

"Oh, Dan, the wedding was," Trixie grabbed both of Dan's hands. "I just don't have the words for it. The flowers. Their vows. It was. It was beautiful, romantic, every girl's dream."

"Your dream, Trixie?" Dan smiled. While Dan had remained focused during the ceremony, several times his attention was drawn to a beautiful blonde sitting in the fourth pew. As soon as Alex and Beth were prounounced husband and wife and headed back up the aisle, Dan stepped over to join Trixie.

He was surprised when she began crying. He'd never seen Trixie so moved. The last thing he'd ever consider her was a romantic, but her tears flowed freely. He wiped them with his fingers and kissed the top of her head. "Trix."

Trixie didn't want Dan to know that while she was moved by the beautiful ceremony and obvious love shared by the bride and groom, the tears had begun flowing freely when she saw the serious look of the handsome young man standing with the groom. Her tears flowed for the love she felt for that man and the desire she had, both physically and emotionally for him.

"It's okay, Trix. It's," Dan wiped the tears from her cheeks, again. He held her close, not speaking as they watched the others file from the chapel and then followed.

After the ceremony, Dan and Trixie followed several other cars into downtown Charlottesville. While the others pulled into a parking garage, Dan drove on, explaining to Trixie that he had managed to not pay to park once the entire three years he lived there and he had met his quota for this trip when they'd parked in the Medical Center garage the prior afternoon. True to his word, he quickly found an un-metered space on a side street. "I guess I haven't forgotten everything about Charlottesville." He commented smugly to Trixie as he helped her out of the car. Trixie was amused by his demeanor. He seemed more confident and self-assured than she had seen him since their first lunch date several weeks earlier. In thinking about that afternoon, she realized that it HAD only been a few weeks earlier, although so much had happened to her, to them both, it seemed as if it were much, much longer time.

Dan grabbed her hand and, pulling her close to him, he then took her arm and guided her up the sidewalk. "I hope you're enjoying yourself this weekend, Trixie." He offered.

"You've said that so many times, Dan. I am."

"I just want you to love Charlottesville, too." Trixie nodded her understanding as they entered a lavishly decorated office building lobby. She looked up at Dan, questioning where they were going. "The reception is at the Cavalier Club. It's a private dining club in the penthouse." Dan explained matter-of-factly.

Private dining club? Trixie gulped. She'd been surprised enough to see the grand estate that Alex called home, but she had just assumed that since the wedding itself was supposed to be simple, that reception would be too.

"Didn't you know, Trix?" Dan asked after they had checked in with a uniformed doorman and were riding up the escalator to the main lobby level. "Alex's family is probably wealthier than the Wheelers, and it's OLD Virginia money. He's as regular as they get. Just like Jim. And Honey," Trixie nodded her understanding. "Beth is too. But Beth's mother. Well she's a lot like Mrs. Wheeler, valuing appearances and all. And the Daltons have more money and it's even older than the Barrett's. If the Daltons can entertain at the Cavalier Club, then they will use the Cavalier Club." They both laughed as they approached the elevators and Dan hit the up button.

As they were riding up in the elevator, Dan explained that the Cavalier Club was a leftover from the days when it was illegal to serve alcohol in public restaurants in Virginia. The better restaurants were usually private dining clubs where they could serve alcohol. The number in each community depended on the wealth and tastes of the residents, of course. Most closed when the law was repealed in the 1970s, however, some of the most exclusive remain popular. The Cavelier Club was THE most exclusive.

Since they had foregone parking in the garage, Dan and Trixie were among the last to enter the private dining room reserved for the Dalton-Barrett party.

Before Trixie could completely orient herself, Dan had taken two glasses of wine from a waiter's tray and handed her one. "I need to warn you, Trixie, the Barretts and the Daltons do enjoy their tea."

"Tea?" Trixie asked. Dan laughed. "Wine. Whiskey. I'm sure it will be flowing freely today."

"I don't think you need to worry about me, Dan." Trixie sipped her wine and smiled coyly. "Do I need to worry about you?" Dan just smiled and led Trixie over to Alex and Beth. They were standing in front of a wall of glass. From the windows, there was a spectacular view of the the city, the rolling hills of the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. Trixie realized why the membership in the Cavalier Club was valued so highly.

While the Barrett and Dalton definition of family and close friends numbered in excess of one hundred people, the young couple had been committed to a simple and romantic ceremony, followed by a fairly informal luncheon reception. Dan's responsibilities as Best Man were limited to sitting at the head table during the meal, offering a few toasts to the newlyweds, and enjoying himself.

Trixie was invited by Judge Dalton to join him and Mrs. Dalton at another table. After Dan made the requisite toasts to the bridal couple, he was able to sit with Trixie. Placing a bottle of champagne on the table, he thanked Judge Dalton for keeping Trixie entertained, and offered everyone some wine. The Judge reassured him that they had thoroughly enjoyed her company.

"I was just sharing some of my war stories with her, Dan." The Judge offered. Dan looked confused. "Not my legal cases. I wouldn't bore her with those. I was talking about my excursion into politics."

"Clean Gene?" Dan asked.

The Judge laughed out loud. "Yes, Dan. And I never did thank you for that campaign button you gave me."

Dan and Mrs. Dalton both laughed heartily. "How'd you know?" Dan asked.

Trixie was completely confused, so Dan tried to explain. "Judge Dalton was a bit of a hippie in the sixties."

"I wouldn't go that far, Dan," the Judge interrupted. "We all wore long hair and bell-bottoms back then. That might be a hippie by today's standards, but I was rather conservative for the time."

"I stand corrected, Sir," Dan turned to Trixie. "Judge Dalton was the Virginia Manager, or was it Southeastern?" He asked the Judge.

"Southeastern, seven states." Mrs. Dalton responded with pride.

"He was the Southeastern Campaign Manger for Eugene McCarthy, when he ran for President in 1968." Dan continued. "Some people claim he's responsible for the moniker, 'Clean Gene'."

"McCarthy?" Trixie smiled at the Judge. "Was he? Oh, I remember. Lots of college kids supported him and campaigned for him, even though they couldn't vote. He was against the Vietnam War."

"Yes, Trixie. As was I and many young men of draftable age at that time. I worked very hard on that failed campaign, but I was NOT responsible for 'Clean Gene'. In fact I don't know where it came from."

"What about the campaign button?" Trixie asked.

"One morning I entered class and there was a stuffed gorilla sitting on the podium, wearing a 'Clean Gene' campaign button. In fact it was a very rare button. I never thanked Mr. Mangan properly for his gift." They all laughed and toasted the memory.

x x x

As Dan predicted, the alcohol flowed freely throughout the afternoon and in to the early evening. Afraid that she might drink too much and behave foolishly, Trixie switched to water and soft drinks after her second glass of champagne. Dan, however, seemed to be trying to keep up with the other revelers. He danced with Trixie and many other young women, shared stories about school and work with his old friends, managed to knock down only one former classmate in his attempt to catch Beth's garter, and only sang the "Good Old Song" twice. Trixie enjoyed the festivities almost as much. When the evening finally came to an end, the Maitre'd began calling taxis for most of the remaining guests, but Dan asked Trixie if she could drive his car. Handing her his keys, he explained that he didn't want to leave his car on the side street over night.

"No problem, Dan. I can drive stick."

Dan nodded. "It does handle a bit differently from that heap of s*&% you drive..." He caught himself and grinned sheepishly at his obscenity. "Oh, Gee. I'm sorry Trixie."

Trixie realized he must have had even more to drink than she'd noticed. She was used to hearing her brothers and fellow police officers curse in adolescent attempts of bravado, but Dan had never before used a curse word in her presence.

"I'm sorry, Trix." He offered again as they went to get their coats. Trixie patted his arm to reassure him. After all, she'd certainly heard much worse in her work as a police officer. "Guess it is a good thing I am driving, hmmm Counselor?" She tried to reassure him by rubbing his arm while they waited outside the cloak room. She looked up to find Dan staring down at her. His eyes darkened and then seemed to mist over in a way she'd never seen before, as he took her face in his hands. "Trix. I. I."

The attendant stepped up with their coats. "Excuse me."

Dan took Trixie's coat and held it for her, holding it just a bit longer than necessary after she had slipped it on. He put on his own overcoat and then led her to the elevator. Standing behind her, he placed his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close as they waited. Trixie placed her hands on his arms. He rubbed his cheek on the top of her head. "Trix." He murmured as he inhaled the peachy scent. "Trix."

When the elevator arrived they stepped in, alone, and waited silently as the doors shut and the car started to descend. Dan leaned against the back wall. Trixie turned around to face him and he smiled mischievously as he held a hand out to her. She stepped to him and he pulled her closer and kissed her. He reached behind her and pulled her body into a tight embrace. He leaned his head down, gently biting her lower lip, before kissing her again. Trixie closed her eyes and molded her body into the contours of Dan's long form, wondering if the floating sensation she felt was from their shared passion or the descending elevator. The car jerked to a stop. Trixie pulled away and turned to face the door.

The door didn't open.

She and Dan stood waiting silently.

The door didn't open.

Trixie looked up at Dan and turned back towards the front of the car. Dan laughed nervously.

The door didn't open.

Trixie smiled weakly at Dan and started to reach for the panel. Dan grabbed her arm. "Wait." She looked up at him and he grinned sheepishly. He pulled her to him and they kissed again. They kissed again and again, each kiss a bit more urgent and passionate. Trixie lost track of the time, mesmerized by Dan's caresses, his kisses and his whispered affections. Finally, she pulled away. They both were breathing heavily. "Dan we need. I think the elevator is broken."

"Trix," He whispered hoarsely. "Trix," He pulled her to him again. Putting his hands inside her unbuttoned coat, he slipped it off her shoulders and allowed it it to fall to the floor. He ran his hands up and down her back several times before firmly grasping her buttocks, pulling her even closer into him. His mind raced, knowing he needed to stop, but not wanting to, when Trixie moaned aloud.

"Oh lord." He gasped for air, trying unsuccessfully to gain control. "Trix." He swallowed audibly. "Have you ever made love in an elevator?" He murmured as he kissed her again.