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"I'm just not ready for this, Jim." Aggie Nolan and Jim Frayne were driving from Sleepyside into New York City where they were meeting his parents for dinner. Plans were finalized for their marriage followed by a cruise over the Christmas holidays, and they had decided they couldn't keep it secret from his parents any longer. In addition to the normal fears of offending future in-laws, Aggie was concerned about the reaction of her social-register-obsessed future-mother-in-law when she learned that they were not planning the wedding of the century.

"Aggie, we've talked about this." Jim patted his fiancée's knee reassuringly. "She won't be thrilled, but she just has to accept that this is what we want. What we BOTH want."

Aggie shrugged and stared out the window, still not convinced.

"And, besides, we have a couple aces up our sleeves." Jim grinned.

"Honey?"

"Yes. Honey and I agreed that when Mom gets too upset with you and me, we'll just remind her that Honey may be moving to Richmond. Then when she gets upset about that, Honey will remind her that at least SHE'S not running off to get married!"

They both laughed, although Aggie's chuckle wasn't quite as hearty as Jim's.

"And," he continued. "We will just have to tolerate some kind of reception when we get back in January."

Aggie didn't respond, so Jim reached over and took her hand. "I know this is difficult for you, but it will be okay." They drove on in silence.

x x x

Dr. Belden stood at the Nurse's Station waiting impatiently for a young aide to get him the supplies he'd asked for. He tried valiantly to be tolerant and understand the stress their overworked staff endured, but he could not--would not--tolerate incompetence that affected patient care. He looked at his watch. He'd been waiting entirely too long.

"Ms. Comer!" He called to the supervising nurse. "One of your aides."

The nurse smiled sweetly at the handsome young doctor. He was respected by all the pediatric oncology staff as being bright and caring, but she knew that look and that voice. Someone had tested his patience. She had a soothing manner and smile that could melt the polar caps, and sensed she needed to use them both now. "Doctor Belden. Is there a problem?"

Brian scowled at the slender redhead before noticing her enchanting smile. He'd never noticed her bright blue eyes or the sprinkling of freckles across her nose. Her smile made him think of, of...he didn't know what, but it was good. "I'm sorry, but one of your aides was supposed to be helping me, and she seems to have disappeared." He noticed her warm smile again. "Debbie, is it?" He realized he was smiling for the first time in weeks. "Debbie."

x x x

Mart Belden hung up the phone. He'd tried calling his sister's apartment and had gotten the answering machine. He'd then tried her cell phone and it went directly into her voice mail.

"Still no answer." He looked over at his wife, nursing their child. "I've been trying for two days."

"Did you try her cell?" Diana asked.

"Yes. It's either turned off or..."

"Could she be at Dan's? Try Dan's apartment." Diana offered hesitantly, not sure what Mart's response might be to the suggestion that his sister was staying with a man.

"Why?" Mart asked before realizing what she was suggesting. "Oh. No!" He went into the kitchen to get a drink.

Diana laughed to herself. She knew how a young woman would respond to an irresistible young man like Dan. She knew Trixie. "Mart, they ARE dating, and Trixie is a healthy woman with healthy appetites."

"NO!" He called from the kitchen. Diana laughed at the naiveté of her husband.

Mart opened the refrigerator and reached for the bottle of milk. He hesitated before pulling out the crisper drawer where they kept the beer. He took a bottle out and twisted off the cap. Taking a large swallow, he sat down at the table. Trixie with Dan? Dating, yes. They had both said they were interested in each other, and he had told them he was okay with it. He'd known for years Dan had feelings for his sister. So why did it bother him now? Because they might be sleeping together? It shouldn't be surprising, and he was certainly not one to cast stones. What two healthy adults who care for each other do is nobody's business. He thought about the first time he'd learned they were attracted to each other. He was sitting at a kitchen table drinking beer then, too.

It was a warm May evening almost a decade earlier. He had just returned from his freshman year at Ohio State. Trixie, Honey and Diana were busy with finals and all the activities related to high school graduation. Dan was finishing his first year at the Community College. It had been obvious to him since his return from school that something was troubling Dan; seriously troubling him. While he still hadn't acquired much of a taste for alcohol, he armed himself with a bag of Wimpy's burgers and a six-pack of beer he'd persuaded Tom Delanoy to buy, and went to confront his best friend.

The two young men sat at the kitchen table drinking for some time, enjoying each other's company in the way men do; discussing school, sports, almost everything except themselves. Finally Mart asked Dan bluntly what might be bothering him.

At first Dan evaded answering him, but eventually the dam burst. He needed to talk to someone and, over the past few years, Mart had become his closest confidant.

Mart was surprised when Dan confessed that he had feelings, strong feelings for Trixie. Dan explained that he had always accepted that Trixie was Jim's girl, but after the long hours they had spent together the past school year, and especially since the evening of Trixie's prom, Dan couldn't ignore his own feelings any longer. Fearful of what he might say or do, he was avoiding Trixie and the other Bob Whites.

"I don't know what to tell you Dan. I've never even considered." Mart took a swig of beer. He knew that wasn't completely true. "I guess we've always thought Trixie and Jim would be together." Despite his dislike of beer, he drank some more before continuing. "But lately..."

"She's not happy with Jim. She hasn't been for some time. Does she seem happy to you?"

"I've been away for nine months."

"So has Jim. And it's been more than miles separating them. He's been distant emotionally for her, you know. She grown, and she needs more."

"She's not the same girl as a year ago. That's obvious."

"I've noticed." Dan smiled despite his best effort not to.

Mart looked at his friend suspiciously. "What do you mean by that?"

"Geez!" Dan took a swig from his own beer, avoiding an answer. "Not what you're insinuating! She's grown this year. Matured. I had a rough time first semester, and Trixie saved my butt. I owe...I owe a lot, maybe my life, to her."

"Can't argue that."

"Damn, Mart. Every girl I take out, I compare to your sister, and they all fall short."

"I'm her brother. I know Trixie's special."

The two young men sat drinking silently for a while. When they emptied their bottles, Dan went to the refrigerator and got two more.

"Jim would kill me if he knew." He handed one to his friend.

"Knew what? You're not going to tell him how you feel, are you?"

"I, we, kissed."

Mart set his bottle on the table. "Where? When?"

"Prom night. Listen, Mart, it was just a kiss. Well a couple. I, I'd never take advantage, but.." he took a long drink. "She kissed me, too. It wasn't just me."

"Jim would never believe that. He might even go after you."

"But you do? You believe she kissed me? I didn't just..."

Mart looked at his friend for a long time before responding. "Yeah. I think I get what you're asking now."

The two stared at each other in silence again.

"Oh, shit, Mart. I should never have told you all this." Dan began to apologize. "I mean, you're her brother."

"And YOUR friend. Who else would you talk to?"

"I don't want to hurt her. Or Jim. I don't want to mess up the Bob Whites."

Mart sat and drank, saying nothing.

"But I would, wouldn't I?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. What I am certain of is Brian and I both would come after you if you ever hurt our sister."

"I assume you've said something similar to Jim?"

Mart smiled and nodded.

"So, if I do anything, pursue what I think we both feel, I might hurt her and have to deal with you two. But it might be good and I might not hurt her, but, then, Jim will come after me."

His friend smiled and nodded again.

"Then, I guess that means I should keep away from her."

"I didn't say that, but..."

Mart sat at the table, thinking about that long-ago evening. What if he had told Dan what he really believed then? Trixie and Jim had been completely enamored with each other as teenagers, but their relationship slowly unraveled as they matured and spent increasing amounts of time apart. Everyone saw it, but couldn't accept it. He'd believed then and now that Trixie would never be happy unless she was living on the edge. Jim would have done whatever he could to keep her away from that edge, while Dan was still balancing on that edge himself. Mart asked himself for not the first time why he wasn't honest with Dan that evening, and why he didn't say anything several years later when it was so obvious Dan was trying to substitute Trixie with a look-alike. Something had bothered him then, and continued to bother him now. he just didn't know what.

"Damn! Sometimes I wish I'd never had a sister. I never worry about Brian and Bobby this way!" Mart said aloud as he placed his empty beer bottle in the recycling bin.

x x x

Trixie pulled away from Dan and looked up at him. "Dan," she hesitated before continuing. "I..." she stepped further back, allowing Dan's hands to move up to her shoulders. He gripped them firmly. "I've never. I haven't made love anywhere." Dan quickly dropped his hands to his sides and stepped back. The few moments of silence that followed seemed like an eternity to her. "With anyone. Ever."

"Oh," Dan said softly. He stared blankly as what she was saying sunk in. "Oh! I, I didn't know. I mean, I didn't... I'm so sorry." He felt his face getting warm.

"No. That's not what I mean. I'm...Oh, geez, Trixie." He looked over at the elevator panel, a desperate look on his face. "I guess we need to call for help." He reached over and rang the alarm, then stooped down to get Trixie's coat off the floor, handed it to her, and began straightening his own clothes.

They waited a few minutes, staring silently at the panel, before Dan rang it again. After another few minutes, they heard someone calling to them and, after calling back to explain the problem, they waited further in silence. Finally, the elevator moved and they were able to exit it on the 2nd floor. They walked down to the main level, out of the building, and to the side street where Dan had parked the car, still in complete silence; Dan afraid to even take Trixie's arm, and Trixie unsure of how to react to Dan's behavior. When they got to the car, Trixie hesitated before unlocking the passenger-side door, hoping that Dan might say something.

"Dan, I told you I've never been with a man," she finally blurted out. "I didn't tell you I have a disease."

"I know," Dan mumbled, looking down at his feet.

Trixie unlocked the passenger door, stormed around the car, and got in behind the wheel. She started up the car, put it into gear and started to ease out of the tight space. Letting the clutch out too quickly, she stalled the car. She started the car again and stalled it a second time. "DAMMIT!" She hit the steering wheel with her fist.

"Do you want me to drive?" Dan asked meekly.

"NO!" She yelled at him. He stared blankly at her. Regaining her composure, she put the gear into neutral and took the key out of the ignition. "What is the problem? Do you have a problem with my being a vir..."

"No. Oh, no Trixie," Dan interrupted. "It's..." He couldn't find the words.

"Well, then what the HELL is it?" she raised her voice again.

Dan didn't know how to explain his feelings. Yes, he was a bit surprised. In his mildly intoxicated euphoria, he might even be a bit disappointed. But, primarily, he was embarrassed that he had made assumptions that resulted in an idiotic proposition in an elevator. He'd actually suggested to a woman...no, he had propositioned a virgin, an untouched woman, the woman he'd always respected above all others...and in an elevator, of all places. He'd almost taken her on the floor of an elevator. He felt humiliated, dirty, and disgusted with himself. He stared down at the hands in his lap. Hands that had almost..." I should never have said that."

"Probably not, but we were both a little carried away."

"Oh, gee, Trix. I think it's great you're...I just assumed...I mean, you're so..." He hesitated. "You're so responsive. I've never known anyone...I've never felt this way." He shook his head shamefully. "The way you respond... I just assumed. I mean Jim, Chris what's-his-name." He sighed. "You are so responsive! When you moaned, I just lost it. Oh, geez. I'm so sorry, Trixie. There's no excuse for me."

He reached for her hands with both of his. "It's terrific that you...I respect that you want to wait until you're married."

They sat for a while, just holding hands, hesitant to even look at each other, until Trixie broke the silence. "I never said that."

Dan looked over at her.

"I never said I was waiting for marriage." she smiled weakly.

"No. Trixie. No. It's great. I support your choice." he paused. "Really."

"I know it's unusual today. For someone my age. It's just...I guess...It's not that I haven't wanted to...It's just...it's never been..." Blushing profusely, Trixie put the key in the ignition again. Dan reached over and took it out.

"It's never been what?" He asked.

Trixie looked at him. He looked so embarassed, much the way she felt. "I just haven't found the right man."

Dan took her hands again, praying that he might say the right thing. "I see." He further considered what she had said before continuing. "Is it possible? Is there any chance? Could I?" He squeezed her hands gently and counted silently to ten. "I want to be the right man, but not until the right time. The right time for you. And you think I'm the right one. I'll wait, Trix."

It took a moment for her to realize what he had said, but when it sunk in, Trixie practically leaped across the console and squeezed onto Dan's lap. Holding her with one arm, and awkwardly returning her kisses, he reached down and released the seat, allowing it to slide back as far as possible. "I've never met anyone like you, Trix. I doubt I ever will. I've never cared for anyone like this." He managed to say between kisses. "What we have is..." Trixie pulled his head towards her and kissed him.

"Soooo good," he moaned. "I don't want to ruin it."

"Impossible, Counselor." Trixie jumped at a tapping on the driver's side window, hitting her knee on the dash. A young uniformed police officer was bent over peering in. He smiled when they pulled away. Trixie managed to climb back into the driver's seat and roll down the window. "Good evening, officer."

"Good evening, Ma'am. I'm sorry to, ah, interrupt."

They all smiled awkwardly.

"May I see some form of identification?" he asked.

"Certainly." Dan moved slowly and exaggeratedly while reaching in his back pocket, so the officer could see that he was only removing his wallet, while Trixie dug in her purse for the leather folder containing her NYPD identification and gold detective's shield. She then handed everything through the window to the policeman.

"NYPD?" he asked, looking from the identification photo to Trixie and back.

"Yes." Trixie responded. "And Mr. Mangan's with the New York DA's office."

The young man nodded his understanding. He looked back into the car and smiled. "Then I don't think I need to warn either of you of the dangers of sitting in a parked car on a dark city street?" He continued to look around the interior of the car, adding to Dan and Trixie's discomfort. "Have you been drinking, Detective?"

"We just came from a wedding reception."

"At the Cavalier Club," Dan added, hoping the name of the exclusive club might hurry the police officer.

"Mmm." he looked at Dan.

"How much did you drink, Detective, ah," he looked back at her identification, "Belden?"

"Two glasses of wine," Trixie replied honestly, while knowing that every drunk ever stopped claimed to have had only two drinks.

The officer handed the documents back through the window. "We've had several break-ins in this neighborhood. You're lucky someone didn't find you sitting here and panic." Trixie also knew that cops frequently use that as an excuse to stop suspicious cars in residential neighborhoods." I suggest you find a safer place to, ah, talk." He smiled at Dan, causing Trixie to slide down in the seat.

"Thank you, officer," Trixie offered, not feeling thankful at all. She watched in the side and rearview mirrors as he returned to the cruiser before starting up the car and successfully pulling away.

x x x

Jim stepped out of his car and handed the key to the valet as another young man helped Aggie. He stepped around the vehicle and took her hand.

"Chin up," he offered. "Do you want a blindfold or to face the firing squad square-on?"

Aggie laughed weakly as he led her into the exclusive restaurant. They were quickly seated with the Wheelers.

"I'm so glad you decided to join us in the City for the weekend," Mrs. Wheeler greeted the young couple. "This has become my favorite place to dine, and I'm certain you both will enjoy the show tomorrow afternoon."

Jim and Aggie were staying overnight with the Wheelers at their penthouse. They planned to see a matinee the next afternoon before returning to Sleepyside.

"I only wish Honey could have joined us."

"She's busy this weekend, Mom."

"With what? Preparing some job application?"

"Maddie." Mr. Wheeler attempted to silence his wife before she went into "one of her moods".

"I don't have a problem with Honey's working, Matthew. I know she enjoys it. I even tolerated her moving to Albany. But I'd assumed that, by now, she and Barry." She stopped short. "There are certainly more appropriate..."

"Aggie, I understand you have a championship team this Fall." Mr. Wheeler interrupted, trying to steer the conversation away from any issues known to upset his wife. However, the astute businessman did not miss that the younger couple were uneasy. He had been suspicious, but now was certain there was a reason for their request to meet for dinner.

"Now, Jim, is there some reason you asked us to dinner?" he finally asked. "Or is it just a weekend on the town for two lovebirds?"

Jim looked at Aggie. Their shared grimaces were not lost on Mr. Wheeler. Just then, the wine steward came with the bottle that had been ordered before Jim and Aggie arrived. After the requisite tasting ritual, Mr. Wheeler offered a toast. "To our lovebirds. And their secret."

"What?" Mrs. Wheeler almost choked on her wine. "Secret?"

"Now, Maddie, I was just teasing the kids." He looked over at his son. "Or?"

"Dad," Jim hesitated before taking his mother's hand. Deciding it was best for everyone to just say it, he confessed. "Mom, I, Aggie and I, have finalized the plans for our wedding."

"Oh, good," Mrs. Wheeler pulled her hand away. "Is it next Spring? Summer? Do you want to use the Club, or..."

Jim looked over at Aggie. "December," he answered.

"THIS December?"

"Yes," Jim responded before she could continue. "I know it's not what you expected, but we've made arrangements for a private ceremony on the beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands, followed by a cruise."

"But..."

"Mrs. Wheeler," Aggie interjected, "I know you wanted to give us a big wedding. I appreciate your generosity." She stopped abruptly.

"We both do. It's just that we want something simple." Jim added.

Jim and Aggie both gave silent prayers of thanks. Apparently, their announcement had left Mrs. Wheeler speechless. They both rambled on for some time about their appreciation of her offer and decision to decline it. They shared details of the planned cruise and ceremony. At no time did they ever mention that they hadn't planned to include anyone else.

Finally, Mrs. Wheeler regained her composure. "Matthew, is the corporate jet available that week?"

"I own the jet. I can make it available." He reminded his wife.

"Getting accommodations over Christmas may present a challenge, but..."

"Mother, we..."

"Don't worry, Jim. Aggie, I'm not offended in anyway that you made your own plans. They sound very sweet. I only wish you'd shared them sooner so we could make our own arrangements, but we'll manage. We'll all be there."

"Ah..." Aggie looked at Jim in desperation.

"We want a private ceremony." Jim tried to explain. "Just the..."

"I understand, dear. Just our little family." She paused and frowned. "Did you not want Aunt Carter and Ben?" She asked, referring to her sister's family.

"It was supposed..." Jim started to speak. Aggie placed her hand on Jim's and shook her head.

"Mrs. Wheeler," she interrupted, "we only want a few people. Just you, Mr. Wheeler, and Honey. I have no one..." She hoped that by mentioning that her parents and brother had been killed in an accident, Mrs. Wheeler might back down.

Mrs. Wheeler looked at her husband for support. His frown indicated clearly that she was on her own. "Our friends, family...They'll be disappointed." She clearly was frustrated and upset.

Jim shrugged. "Honey offered to host a party, a reception when we get back from our honeymoon," he offered.

"After?" Mrs. Wheeler immediately perked up. "How soon? Before or after New Years?"

"It would have to be after the first. We won't return home until January 2."

"Matthew, check that thing: your blackberry. What day of the week is that?"

Jim and Aggie sighed together. They knew Honey wouldn't appreciate their siccing Mrs. Wheeler on her, and they hadn't planned on anyone joining them at the wedding ceremony, but at least it wouldn't be the three-ring circus they had feared.

x x x


Brian rubbed his back as he walked across the glass-enclosed elevated crosswalk from the hospital to the staff garage. Between long days on his feet and the soft motel mattress, his back had taken a beating. He couldn't wait for the beer cooling in the small refrigerator in his room.

"Another day, another dollar." he heard from behind him. He turned to see the cute nurse, Debbie Comer, behind him. "Good evening, Doctor." She smiled.

Brian waited for her to catch up. Her smile was pure joy and sunshine. "Miss Comer" he held the door into the garage open and allowed her through. "It is Miss, isn't it?" She nodded. "Have you had dinner?"

x x x

Erica stood in the foyer of the luxurious town home, oblivious to the chaos surrounding her. Uniformed officers loitered around, discussing the grizzly scene in the next room, while others rushed in and out the front door; employees from the coroner's office squeezed by unnoticed, hoping no one had destroyed the crime scene; and paramedics waited for instructions since a corpse didn't need their assistance. Erica stared at one item, propped on the foyer table. She wanted to pick it up, but knew better than to disturb any evidence.

"Dammit, Belden. What have you done?" she asked herself aloud as she stared at the photograph. "What the hell does this mean?" She bent over to look more closely at the photograph of Trixie entering the Green Haven Penitentiary, wondering if she should call her and spoil her Virginia weekend. "Stacks!" she called for the Crime Scene Technician. "Stacks, where the hell are you?"

x x x

Trixie stopped for a red light at the next corner. She looked over at Dan and they both laughed. "Do you think he would have done anything to us?"

"We really weren't doing anything, Trixie. It's a college town. He probably surprises students all the time, in far more embarrassing situations than ours. Two fully-clothed adults in a car is hardly worth a second thought. Now, I could show you a few interesting places around town."

Trixie didn't respond and Dan immediately regretted what he'd just said. While still reeling from the scene in the elevator, he'd reminded her that he'd lived here with another woman. He looked over at her, staring straight ahead, her forehead wrinkled and both hands gripping the steering wheel, and wished he'd never met Jennifer Gordon. Overwhelmed by the emotion he felt for this enchanting woman, he reached over and played with one loose curl of hair.

"How do we get back to the Barretts' anyway?" Trixie broke the silence.

x x x

Brian and Debbie Comer ended up walking to an inexpensive Italian restaurant near the hospital, enjoying a long evening of pasta, wine, and conversation. Brian couldn't remember when he'd last relaxed and enjoyed the company of a woman that much. He was sincerely disappointed when she looked at her watch and indicated she needed to go. He paid their check and they headed back to the parking garage. When they got to a corner and were waiting to cross, Debbie grabbed Brian and pulled him to her. Fitting her arms inside his unbuttoned overcoat and molding her body to his, she pulled him down and kissed him. Brian eagerly responded, kissing her more deeply, while pulling her even closer. The couple stood there, completely unaware of their surroundings, until a passing car blew its horn. They pulled apart, straightened their clothes, and crossed the street, laughing. Inside the garage, Brian walked Debbie to her car. As she fumbled for her keys, he pulled her to him again, reaching inside her jacket and under her blouse. First running his hands up and down her back, he slowly inched to the front, easing his fingers under the elastic of her bra. Debbie's head fell backward, exposing the milky skin of her neck and collarbone. Brian's kisses and nips moved lower, while his hands still caressed her breasts.

"Mylawd." she murmured. "You. Your hands."

"Guess I should have been a surgeon," Brian said, as he lifted her up and sat her on the hood of the car. She wrapped her legs around him and pulled him to her, knowing exactly what his reaction would be.

"Ohh, I like," he moaned.

"Oh, Brian. Don't." She gasped the words. Brain pulled away, afraid he'd gone too far. "I meant don't stop." She smiled up at him. "You're better than I ever imagined." He grabbed and kissed her again. "And I've imagined a lot. My place or yours?" She finally choked out.

Brian pulled away, realizing what she had said. "What?"

Debbie brushed the hair from his forehead. "This is getting pretty, um, intense. And, well I never start anything I'm not prepared to finish." She ran her fingers up and down his shirt front. "Unless you want to get naked in the garage, Brian, I suggest we finish this at my place."

"Oh. Ohhhh. Okay." Brian gulped audibly. "Wait! I'll get my car and follow you." Debbie watched the handsome doctor as he ran to his car, admiring the view, before jumping down off the hood and getting into her car.

x x x

Honey Wheeler got the backpack from her car and, swinging it across her right shoulder, headed across the parking garage towards the elevator. With great effort, she had left Barry in their warm bed early that morning, and had spent the entire day in the Schaffer Library of Health Sciences working on her interview questions. It had been over twelve hours, and she'd consumed nothing but coffee and Nabs from a vending machine, but she had made great progress on the assignment. For the first time since receiving the questions, she felt good about her chances of getting the position. She entered the elevator, pressed the button for her floor, and leaned against the back of the car. She couldn't decide whether to eat or take a long hot shower first.

As she rode to her floor, she began thinking about her relationship with Barry. His job in the Governor's office required that he work long hours, and she'd been surprised by the amount of time he'd been spending with her recently. She knew he would never admit to it, but he was trying desperately to convince her to stay in Albany. She was moved and flattered by his attention, but was reasonable enough to know that these overtures couldn't last forever; eventually it could jeopardize his job.

The elevator doors opened and she headed down the hall to her apartment. Opening the door, she noticed the light coming from the dining area. Silently thanking Barry for leaving it on for her when he'd left earlier, she set down her load and headed towards the light. She was surprised to find the table set and numerous candles glowing. She heard someone in the kitchen and peeked in. "Barry!" She exclaimed when she saw her handsome lover stirring a pot on the stove, shirtsleeves rolled up and dish towel stuck in his waistband.

He turned and pulled her to him. "Welcome home, Honey. I hope you're hungry tonight. Again."

x x x

After arriving back at the Barrett home, Trixie and Dan spent a short time talking to their hosts before excusing themselves to go upstairs. It had been a long day and they had a long drive ahead the next day. Trixie was disappointed, but not surprised, by the innocent peck on the cheek Dan offered at the door to her room.

She quickly undressed and washed, and crawled into bed, falling asleep the moment her head touched the pillow. It seemed only minutes later when she was awakened by someone calling to her.

"Mmm?" She sat up, fumbling for the phone that wasn't there.

"No, Trixie. It's Dan."

She opened one eye and saw Dan and Mr. Barrett silhouetted in the doorway. "What? What is it?"

"There are deputies, two Sheriff's deputies here asking for you," Mr. Barrett explained.

Trixie sat up straight, completely awake now. "What? Who? Oh, no!" She knew that visits in the night from police officers usually meant bad news.

"No, no, Trix." Dan rushed over to her. "They said that they just need to inform you of something. Not to be alarmed."

"Let me put some clothes on." Trixie turned, hanging her feet over the side of the bed.

Mr. Barrett offered to tell the deputies she was on her way, as Trixie reached to turn on the lamp.

"I'll wait in the hall." Dan stepped outside, pulling the door shut behind him.

Trixie pulled on a shirt and jeans, and, without bothering with her hair or shoes, hurried out into the hall where Dan was pacing. They both headed downstairs, completely confused as to what might be happening.

Dan and Trixie crossed the large foyer to the sitting room where two khaki-clad Albemarle County Sheriff's Deputies sat with Mr. Barrett. "Detective Belden." the older man stood and offered his hand to Dan.

"No," Dan corrected. He turned to Trixie. "This is Detective Belden."

Both deputies stared noticeably at the petite woman. With no make-up, her hair a mess of tangled curls, and standing all of five feet-two inches, in her bare feet, Trixie looked more like a schoolgirl than a detective with a major metropolitan police department.

"Deputies," Trixie offered with the best cop moxie she could muster while still half asleep. She sat down. "What brings you here at this hour?"

After making introductions, the older deputy explained that their office had been contacted by the New York City Police Department in an attempt to find her. Apparently they had uncovered something that indicated she might be in danger. She was asked to contact her supervisor in New York immediately. They also were offering her their protection, if needed.

Trixie and Dan looked at each other, clueless about what might be going on. "I don't know," she offered to Dan. Her mind was racing. Dan could imagine the gears turning. "Would you excuse me while I call my office?" She asked everyone as she got up. "I'll use my cell phone upstairs." She explained.

Once upstairs, Trixie first called Erica's cell phone, only to get her voicemail. "Dammit," she said aloud. She had been hoping Erica could clue her in before she talked to the Captain. She then called the Precinct.

While waiting downstairs, the four men sat in an uncomfortable silence. Knowing better, Dan still asked if there was any more they could share. Both deputies shook their heads no. They continued to sit silently until Mr. Barrett offered to get drinks. They all agreed to sodas and he left the room.

"She's a little young to be a detective," the younger deputy finally said. The older deputy frowned at him.

"She may look young." Dan reassured him. "But I can assure you, she's a very capable police officer." He smiled. "You do not want to cross her!"

Trixie entered the room, followed by Mr. Barrett with a tray of drinks. They each took a glass and sat down. Trixie explained what she had just learned.

She first turned to Dan. "There's been another homicide." Turning to the deputies, she explained that she was working on a series of homicides that appeared to be committed by the same individual. She didn't know how to continue without upsetting Dan or revealing too much information about the case. "Ah, apparently he left something this time that..." she looked over at Dan and grimaced. "They think he's targeted me. That he's been following me."

Dan jumped out of the chair. "No!"

Trixie stood up and placed her hand on his shoulder. "It explains a lot, Dan." She gently pushed him back into his chair before sitting down herself. "I'm going to have to take precautions when I get back to New York." She could tell Dan was upset, but he was listening and not trying to interrupt. "But not before. There's no way he could have killed that girl in New York this evening and be here." Smiling weakly at Dan, she continued, "I'm not going to let this spoil our weekend, and I don't think we need any protection." She stood, dismissing the two deputies. "I want to thank you and your department for locating me, and for your offer of protection. Fortunately, I don't think we'll need it."

The deputies stood, looking from her to Dan to Mr. Barrett, not quite sure how to deal with this tiny, yet commanding, young woman. "We can put extra patrols in the area."

"If you wish, but I honestly don't think it's necessary."

"I'd appreciate that, Deputies," Mr. Barrett interrupted. "We do have a house full of guests."

With that, the deputies left. Mr. Barrett locked the door and turned to Dan and Trixie. Trixie apologized for the disturbance and reassured him that she was not putting on a show for the deputies. There was no way anyone was in danger that night. Dan then led her upstairs as Mr. Barrett went through the living areas, turning off lights.

Once they got to the door to Trixie's room, there was no innocent peck on the cheek. Dan followed her into the room and shut the door behind him. Trixie backed away, not certain of what he was doing.

"Okay, Trixie. Is that the whole story?" He crossed his arms in front of him. "I'm not going to interfere, but, if you're in any danger, I want to know it all. There's no danger of compromising your case with me," he reminded her.

Trixie sat on the edge of the bed. "There's not much more to tell you." She pointed to the chair across from her and Dan sat down.

"Why do they think you're being threatened?" Dan's tone made it clear that Trixie was not going to put him off.

Trixie explained that the new murder appeared to have been done by the same man as the others they were investigating. Left in plain view at the crime scene was a recent photograph of her that appeared to have been taken with a telephoto lens. A bull's-eye was drawn on it.

"Where were you? It wasn't...Was I with you?" Although it didn't make sense, Dan feared that Jen might be involved somehow.

Trixie looked down at the floor and shook her head. "I was at Fishkill." She looked up at Dan. She hadn't told him of her trip to visit Andrew Trimmer. "I visited an inmate at Green Haven." When she saw no reaction, she continued. "Earlier this week. I was following a lead that no one else...I thought only Erica knew I was going there." She paused. "I went without telling anyone else or getting authorization."

Dan smiled in spite of his concerns. Some things never changed. "Are you in trouble?"

Trixie shrugged. "Probably," she mumbled. "For now, I think the concern is that I've been followed and threatened." They both sat, considering the situation. "There's really nothing we can do for now," Trixie finally offered. "You...we both need some rest."

She stood up and moved towards Dan. He stood up, reached out and pulled her to him. "Trix. I... I just want to...I don't know how..." He wanted to protect her, but knew he couldn't tell her that and knew that wasn't what she wanted to hear.

She looked up at him, seeing the concern in his eyes. "I'm okay. I'll be okay. We're okay." She wrapped her hands around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. Dan took her chin and turned it up, lightly kissing her lips. He kissed her harder and she responded. They stood for some time, kissing and murmuring words only understood by each other.

x x x

"Think you can get away for a little vacation over Christmas?" As he'd promised, Jim called his sister as soon as he and Aggie got to the penthouse to tell her how the dinner with their parents had gone.

"What?" Honey pulled the covers up around her and sat back against the headboard of her bed. "Vacation?"

"Looks like the entire family will be in the Turks and Caicos Islands on December 23rd."

"Oh, Jim. I'm so sorry. All your plans..." Honey knew how much Jim and Aggie had wanted the quiet, private and romantic ceremony.

"Well, Aggie doesn't want to start off married life by antagonizing her mother-in-law," Jim explained. "And it's not too bad. Looks like you and our parents will be at the ceremony. We drew the line on Aunt Carter and Ben."

Honey laughed. Her mother's sister and Ben would have made for an interesting trip. "How'd you manage that? Aunt Carter will never let Mother live it down if she's not included."

"Aggie pulled the poor orphan hat out of her bag." He dodged the pillow thrown at him. "She pointed out that she had no family and we wanted it as simple and small as possible, so the wedding itself won't be too bad."

"You're still..." Honey hesitated. "The ceremony will still be on the beach?"

"I can assure you that we won't let her change THAT. It probably is better to have the three of you there, but our plans for the actual ceremony are completely non-negotiable." Jim hesitated before continuing. He knew that Honey wouldn't be happy to hear what else he had to share, but she was far too tactful to ever complain. "Now, I have no idea what she'll plan for the reception in January."

"Oh." Honey's tone revealed her lack of enthusiasm for planning a social event with her mother.

"I'm sorry, Sis. We told her you were planning a reception and she immediately started talking about where to have it, who should cater it, the menu, music, guest list..." He waited and when Honey said nothing, he continued. "Honey, don't you stress out over this. We're not. We'll just let her do her thing."

"But you and Aggie wanted..." Honey was far more concerned about their disappointment than how to deal with her mother.

"We want everyone to be happy, Sis. We're getting our romantic ceremony. No one's going on the honeymoon with us." He paused dramatically. "I hope."

"How's Aggie taking all this?"

Jim looked over at his fiancée, knowing her reluctance to upset his mother, and loving her all the more because she was changing the plans for her dream wedding to keep his family happy. "Aggie is fine."

"I guess I'll call Mother." Honey sighed, knowing that it would be a very long call.

"It can wait until morning." Jim knew their mother was in the other room, planning a huge celebration, and needed no help from anyone. "Whatever she does will be exceptional, I'm sure."

"I'll call her in the morning. And I will try to rein her in."

"Thanks, Honey."

Honey laughed. "I should be thanking you. I bet she's forgotten entirely about me and Richmond."

"She did bring it up at dinner, but Dad diverted her away from that subject. I doubt she'll have time to think about it for a while. How is it going, Sis? Are you working on your questions?"

"I spent the entire day in the library at the Medical College. I made some real headway and I plan to go back tomorrow."

"That's great. And Barry?"

Honey looked at the man dozing in the bed beside her. "Oh, Jim, he's grea... fine. We're fine."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Many, many thanks to KayeKL for a much needed and appreciated editing job, since I have a real aversion for properly placed commas, semi-colons and correct verb tenses!

In this chapter, the reader meets a Charlottesville City Police Officer and two Albemarle County Sheriff's Deputies, all performing routine police duties. This is not in error. In most Virginia counties (including Albemarle which surrounds the city of Charlottesville), elected Sheriffs and their appointed Deputies provide all police duties, including routine patrol and investigations. A few large urban counties, incorporated cities (such as Charlottesville), and some larger towns have police departments. In those communities the Sheriff is responsible for managing the local jail, delivering court documents such as supeonas, and courthouse safety.