Home

Trixie Belden sat at her desk trying to focus on her reading. She had forced herself up early that morning to run and she was beginning to think it had been a mistake. It had been almost a week since she had a good work out and she was hurting.

"Morning," Erica sat down at her desk besides Trixie's. "You okay?"

"I don't know. I ran this morning. Think I overdid it." Trixie spoke without looking up from her papers.

"You're too young to be stiff." Erica commented.

"Oh no. I just waited too long between workouts. My body isn't responding well to the run I took this morning.

"Where do you run?"

"Usually, in the neighborhood, early mornings or when I get home.

"Is that wise? I've seen your neighborhood."

Trixie glared at her partner.

"I know. You're a woman with attitude." Erica flipped on her own computer. "Maybe you need some time off. You work too hard."

"No harder than you."

"Trixie, you're in here almost every morning when I come in and you stay long after I leave. Don't you have a personal life?"

"I...Of course I do. In fact, I'm planning to take off next weekend!"

"This weekend?"

"No. The twenty-first. I'm going up to Sleepyside for the weekend. My friend who works in the state lab will be down."

"Well, you need the break, I'm sure, and the way it looks, there won't be much to keep you here." Erica pointed to the flowers on Trixie's desk. "Did you find out who sent those?

"No. Not a clue."

"Not the ADA?"

"I told you." Trixie finally looked up at her partner. "We're old friends."

"I know. I know. But I have to get a few digs in. You've got some admirer though."

Erica's computer had come up. She turned to it and began scrolling. "Time for work."

Trixie stretched. Now where was I? She returned to reading the file open on her desk, wondering if she should call Dan after all.

x x x

Assistant Principal Jim Frayne sat in front of the television camera. He was making an announcement on the morning in-school news program.

"I'd also like to take a moment to congratulate the girl's field hockey team for beating defending state champions Sleepy Hollow 3-0 Thursday. Great game!" He winked at the camera. "This afternoon they travel to Peekskill. To all the girls, Congratulations and good luck this afternoon. Also, Coach Nolan wants to remind the team that they are to be dismissed from their classes at 1:30 to leave for the game."

"Next, we've been having some problems in the cafeteria that I would like to discuss..."

x x x

Trixie Belden was watching the clock. They had a nine o'clock appointment with the head doorman of the building where one of the women had been murdered. She and Erica had decided that, in between their normal duties, they would re-interview everyone connected to the case; every doorman, waiter, taxi-driver, boyfriend or neighbor. If there were one clue, however so tiny, that might have been overlooked, they were going to find it. She stretched.

Trixie decided to try to call her mother before she left the house for the day. Between school and her other activities, Moms was never home during the day anymore.

"Moms?"

"Trixie. How are you dear? Are things going well with your new position?"

"Everything's fine, Moms. I was calling to see if you knew anything about Mart and Di."

Mrs. Belden hesitated. "About what?"

"I've been calling for several days and only getting their answering machine. I've tried Mart at his office and missed him there, too. Are they alright?"

"They're fine...well, there's nothing for you to worry about."

Trixie became alarmed. "What do you mean worry?"

"Oh dear." Mrs. Belden didn't know how much she should tell Trixie. "Diana and Katie are spending the week with the Lynches. And you know how busy Mart is."

"Is Diana okay? Katie? Nothing's wrong with Katie is there?" Trixie knew that Mart and Diana had not willingly spent a single day apart since they were married...and not for years before that. Something had to be wrong.

"Katie's as healthy and beautiful as ever. I think Mart and Diana were feeling some... ah, stress and Diana wanted to get away. That's all. You know how close they are." Mrs. Belden paused. "Diana needed a break."

"Moms, you've always been the worst liar and you're talking to a detective. I have never known Diana to need a break from Mart, although I could certainly understand..."

"Trixie, they had a disagreement. They're resolving it themselves and don't need us to butt in. I feel like I've told you too much already. Mart will be here this weekend and you can talk to him then if you can't reach him in Ithaca, okay?"

Trixie wasn't satisfied, but she had to reassure her mother.

"Sure Moms. He'll tell me everything."

"Was there a reason you'd been trying to reach them? I might get a message to Diana."

"That's okay, Moms. I was just trying to get them to come to Sleepyside the weekend of the twenty-first. Looks like they might be around anyway."

"It does. Are you planning to come home that weekend?"

Yes, if it's okay with you, Moms. Honey will be in Sleepyside, I have both Saturday and Sunday scheduled off so I thought I'd bring Dan up and we all could get together."

"Dan? Youre bringing him with you? How nice. Will Dan be staying here?"

"No, Moms. I'm not sure Dan is coming, but he'll probably stay at Regan's."

"I'm glad Dan and Regan have worked things out. But if Dan needs to stay here, we have plenty of room. I...I have to go Trixie. I have a class at nine."

"Sure, Moms. I'll talk to you again before the twenty-first."

"Bye Trixie." Mrs. Belden hung up the phone. Dan coming, staying with his uncle. Well, at least some things are right with the world."

x x x

It was noon when Dan Mangan left the District Attorney's office. Upon arriving at work, he had been told to give all his morning arraignments to another ADA and was summoned to a meeting with his immediate supervisor and the District Attorney. After having been chastised for the scene that Jennifer Gordon had made on Friday, he'd spent the rest of the morning apologizing and assuring his new boss that nothing like that would happen again. Ever. The only redeeming part of the morning was when he was reassured that otherwise they were impressed with his work. At least she was back in D.C., but for how long? He wondered.

Dan tried to devise some kind of plan as he walked back to his office. There had to be a way to make sure that Jen left him alone without destroying her in the process. There didn't appear any way to rationalize with her. She was beyond that. Well, she wasn't totally beyond that, yet. She seemed to manage the demands of her work as a tax attorney for five days a week. She only seemed to lose touch as the weekends approached. So he assumed he had a few days to get her help before she would show up again or call or whatever.

Dan got back to his office. He looked at the papers on his desk and worried about getting further behind in his caseload. He had to get rid of the distractions. He sat down and, placing his head in his hands, tried to make some sense of it all. He checked his address book and dialed a number.

"Reverend Gordon? This is Dan. Dan Mangan." He swallowed hard, bracing himself for the usual tirade. "This is important. Please don't hang up."

"I really have nothing to say to you."

"Please, Reverend Gordon. It's important that we talk. I know what you think about me. And Jen. I also know how much you love her."

"I raised my daughter in a Christian home. A couple of years in college and she's living with some...with you and breaking all ties with her home and family. She made her choice. You both made a choice. Then when you got tired of her, you tossed her aside and moved on. Just as I predicted."

Dan sat and listened patiently to the Reverend Gordon's lecture. The Gordons had never approved of Dan as a suitor, much less live-in lover for their daughter. They always had blamed him for Jen's problems.

"Rev. Gordon, I know you don't approve of me. Frankly, I don't blame you right now. But, please understand, I wouldn't be calling if I weren't seriously concerned about Jen's welfare." He listened to more criticism.

"Jennifer never...she knew right from wrong. She chose you over her family and you both are paying the consequences. I'll not interfere in the ... I will not help you discard my daughter and move on to other women or whatever it is you're up to now."

"Please listen, Reverend Gordon. Your daughter's in trouble." Dan raised his voice. "I've tried, but she won't let me help her. You're the only person I know who can get her the help she needs. If you care at all about Jen, you'll hear me out."

For the first time in over four years, Reverend Gordon stopped lecturing and listened to Dan.

"She's losing touch with reality. She's going to hurt herself if no one else. We can't sit by and allow her to do this. We've got to get her help."

"What about that doctor? The psychiatrist in Virginia. She told us he's helped a lot, and that she's been going to church since you walked out."

"A doctor saw her in the hospital after...after the pills, but she never went back for a single appointment. She might be going to church since I left...Maybe seeing another doctor...I honestly wouldn't know...but, I do know that she's been acting more and more irrational. I doubt she knows where she's been half the time. She was here in my office Friday and we had to bring in the police. Then she showed up at my apartment Sunday morning. I had to get security to remove her from the building."

"That's impossible. The police? Was she arrested?"

"No. Oh no. They didn't arrest her. But she made a scene, threatened a receptionist in my office, and they had to be called. I talked to them and convinced her to promise she'd leave and return to D.C. A policewoman escorted her to the train for DC on Friday afternoon. Then Sunday she showed up at my apartment. I don't know where she was all weekend. I don't know if she returned to DC and then came back, or was here all weekend or what."

"She was in New York all weekend?"

"I don't know. Please. Let me finish. I tried Sunday to reason with her. She was so irrational she wasn't even making sense." Dan carefully avoided telling him that Jen had tried to rip off her clothes. "I got her on a train back to DC Sunday afternoon and I haven't heard from her since. As far as I know, she's there at work. I'd check on her, but I'm honestly afraid I'll just make it worse if I call down. But, someone needs to check on her. She can't be left on her own when she's this disturbed and...and I can't let her come to my office again. You must understand that. This is a courthouse. We have security issues..."

Dan paused a moment before continuing. "Reverend Gordon, I'm convinced she'll try something. Eventually she's going to harm herself again and maybe someone else. I'm sure it's leading to that. We both don't want that. And it will...if we don't get her some help."

"Okay, Dan. I understand what you're trying to say. What can be done? What do you expect her mother and me to do?"

I'm not sure, but I can make some calls and find out. Jen's not going to listen to me for certain. You need to understand that. You might be able to reason with her, but the way she was this weekend...I don't know if anyone can. And I'm afraid she's been lying to you. She is NOT WELL. Please understand that I'm not trying to, what was your word, discard her. I want to help her, but I can't, at least not by myself. It's well beyond that. You understand, don't you?"

"Would we have to have her committed? I don't want her hauled off somewhere in chains like some criminal. She's no criminal. That could ruin, she'd probably never forgive me. Her mother wouldn't want that either." Reverend Gordon was clearly upset, but at least he wasnt trying to lecture Dan. "I can't believe this. What you did to a fine Christian girl."

Dan said nothing. After listening longer than Dan had expected, Reverend Gordon was getting angry again. Dan understood completely how difficult this was for him. His daughter was mentally unbalanced, could possibly harm herself, and the man telling him this was responsible or at least partially to blame.

"Let me call an attorney friend in Virginia. He knows Jen. Our, her apartment is in Arlington. I'll make sure we find out what's best for her."

"I don't think you know what's best for her."

"Rev. Gordon, please. We both want what's best for Jen. Just because it didn't work out for us, doesn't mean I want to see her like this. And I know you and Mrs. Gordon still love your daughter."

"YOU BET."

Dan could have heard that all the way from South Carolina without the phone.

"Let me call. I'll let you know what I find out."

"Do what you think is necessary. I'll be praying for you." Reverend Gordon hung up.

Dan hung up. He placed his elbows on the desktop and rested his head in his hands. He sat there for some time before looking up another phone number and punching in the numbers.

"Arnold, Parker and Stowe."

"Alexander Bennett, please. Tell him it's Dan Mangan," Dan waited.

"Dan! It's been ages! You're not backing out of the wedding are you?" Alex was getting married in just a few weeks and Dan was to be his Best Man.

"No. Of course not. I wouldn't miss your wedding for anything. How's Beth?

"Going absolutely bonkers over all the arrangements ...and I thought it was to be a small wedding. So, Dan, how's the new job? Manhattan ADA. Sounds mighty impressive, but are you eating? You took a big pay cut."

"I love the job. Yeah I know the money stinks, but I'll survive."

"We're taking bets on how long it takes you to see the light and come crawling back," Alex forced a laugh. "What about women? Manhattan's crawling with beautiful actresses, models, wealthy socialites. How many of those gorgeous available Manhattanites have you dated?"

"Ha. They're not interested in me, Dan needed to change the tone of the conversation. Actually Alex, I am having woman trouble. That's why I called."

"Dan. I hate to tell you this, but you'll never need advice from me on how to get women," Alex's tone changed. He had been in law school with Dan and Jennifer. "Is it Jen?"

"Yes. What else? I need your help."

"I'm always here for you, Dan."

Alex Bennett knew Jen well and was familiar with the emotional roller coaster ride she had taken Dan on the past few years. He had begged Dan not to follow her to Washington, or at least not to live with her there. He had sat all night with Dan in the Emergency Room of Arlington Hospital when Jennifer overdosed on pills and was Dan's primary supporter when he finally left her. Dan did not have to go into much detail to describe the disturbing events of the past weekend.

"I just spoke to her father."

"The righteous Reverend Gordon? Are you two speaking, now?"

"Yes, he actually listened to me. A little. Anyway, I told him I'd find out exactly what we have to do to get her into a hospital. I thought you might help."

"Is she still living in Arlington?"

"Yeah. She's still living in the apartment we had in Ballston."

"Is she still working?"

"Yeah. As far as I know she manages to go to work every day. Do you know how to get her treatment? Where it might be best to try a forced commitment? That might be necessary."

"I'll see what the process is in Virginia. It's where she resides and I wouldn't want to risk her being sent to St. Elizabeth's."

"That's what I thought. Let me give you her father's number. I think it might be best if you two decide what course to take. But I'll do whatever he wants. I owe him that."

As he had tried many times in the past, Alex attempted to explain to his friend that he couldn't take responsibility for Jen's problems. She was troubled long before she ever met Dan. And Alex knew things that he never wanted to share with his friend. He knew they'd only add to Dan's misery, not ease it.

Not long after Dan and Jen began their relationship, Jen "confessed" to Dan that she was no innocent when he met her. She didn't share every detail, of course, but, the fact was, she was quite well known in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Not only did she have an IQ off the charts and the academic record to prove it, she was well known for her sexual appetite. And there were plenty of willing partners in a resort town. Dan was so taken by her intelligence and beauty that he wasn't the least concerned about her past. His own wasn't anything to brag about. Unlike Alex, he had never been aware, and still wasn't, that she had never been monogamous. Even while living with Dan.

"This isn't my area, Dan. But I'll make some calls and get back to you. Then I'll talk to Reverend Gordon if you want."

"Thanks Alex."

"Anything for you, Dan. Anything."

Dan hung up. Alex was a good friend.

x x x

"This work is good, Vic. I'm glad you're on our team."

Victor Scott smiled. He knew that praise from his supervisor, Madeleine Wheeler, was rare.

"Go get some lunch."

"Thank you. I was just going to do that, Ms. Wheeler."

Honey watched him walk out of the lab. Her new technician's enthusiasm was contagious. She smiled. The new AVIS fingerprinting system greatly improved identification of any fingerprints, but it still took a careful and exact technician to find the prints in the first place as well as understand the complexities of AVIS. She walked over to the file cabinet and placed the computer analysis reports in the proper drawer.

Honey took the elevator up to her office. She had a bag lunch waiting for her. After sitting down behind her desk, she took a sandwich out of the bag and spun around to face her computer monitor.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Wheeler."

Honey spun back around. "Barry!"

"Have you had lunch?" He saw the uneaten sandwich. "Good. I got here just in time." Barry was carrying two boxed lunches and a bag with two cans of soda. Whatever might be in the two white boxes had to be tastier than what Honey had packed. "Could I entice you to join me?" He held up his packages.

Honey laughed. "Have a seat."

Barry sat down on the other side of the desk as Honey cleared off an area for them to use.

"This is really nice, Barry, but I'm afraid you'll get in trouble taking off so much."

"I told you, Honey. New lease on life. Besides the Governor is out of the state for a few days and I have the entire week to devote to work in the office."

"You didn't go with him?"

"What plans do you have for this weekend?" Honey noticed that Barry didn't answer the question.

His question caught Honey off guard. "What do you mean?"

"Are you planning to be in town?"

"Of course. In fact I thought I might try to catch up here."

Barry smiled. "No. No work this weekend Miss Wheeler. I have a voucher for a free weekend at the Stratford Inn in Vermont. It's a little early for fall color, but I have the entire weekend free and there isn't anyone else I could imagine asking to accompany me."

"Barry, I don't know." Honey was certain she wasn't quite ready to resume their physical relationship.

Barry reached across the desk and grabbed her hands in his. "Honey, I understand what you're saying. I wouldn't suggest this so soon, but the darn coupon expires and..." He gave his best boyish grin. "I promise not to force anything."

Honey couldn't help but laugh. Barry knew that she could never refuse him when he smiled that way. Also, Barry didn't need any free coupon. He could easily afford a weekend at the most expensive Inn on his own. "Okay, Barry. Okay. Vermont does sound nice, but, please don't force the..."

"Honey. No. Oh no. I won't force you." He kissed her hand.

x x x

That afternoon Trixie called Dan to confirm their plans for dinner the next evening. She had made reservations at a small club near his office that had cheap food and good jazz. Trixie enjoyed jazz, but was not the seasoned enthusiast she knew Dan to be. Dan had inherited his father's love of all contemporary music. Dan's father had been a popular performer in the New York club scene prior to his untimely death. He had backed up several famous performers and was establishing a reputation of his own as a jazz singer and pianist when he was killed in an automobile accident. Trixie also was one of the few people who knew that Dan had inherited his father's resonant singing voice.

Trixie signed off duty around eight that evening and stopped at the corner grocery to get a few supplies before heading home. She changed into sweatpants and t-shirt and prepared a light dinner for herself. After washing dishes she stopped to look around her tiny kitchenette. Why, Trixie Belden, you're almost domesticated. She thought to herself. She wiped the counter one last time and tossed the rag in the sink.

Trixie marveled at the thought of an evening to herself. No responsibilities. No plans. She looked at the clock. And it wasn't even ten yet. She put a few CDs on the stereo and stretched out on her sofa. She tried to organize all her thoughts about her case. In her mind, she listed each victim and visualized the crime scenes. There had to be a clue. One little slip up. One little mistake. It was her last thought before falling asleep.

x x x

Trixie was standing in front of a long line of men. They all were yelling something at her, but she couldn't hear. Tell me. She was yelling back. What is it? What do you want? She couldnt see any of their faces. She didn't know who they were or what they wanted. Wait. There. One of the men was looking directly at her. He was reaching for her. Who is he? I know that face, those eyes. Dan? It was Dan. Yes Dan. I'm here. I'm here. What do you need?

She woke up with a start. She was still on the sofa and lights were on. What time is it? She got up, turned off the lights, and stumbled over to her bed. Two o'clock. She checked to make sure her alarm was set and crawled under the covers.

x x x

Trixie and Erica left the Captain's office in frustration and fear of failure. He had called them in first thing that morning to review all their progress on the murder case. He did not seem pleased. The victim in Highland Falls had died during the night. They needed to get more information about all the attacks, especially the recent attack at West Point. They needed a break. There was a pink message slip on Trixie's desk. Trixie picked it up and read it to herself.

"From Chief Molinson." Trixie looked up at Erica as she sat down. "Wants me to call." She picked up the phone and punched in the numbers on the note.

"Chief Molinson, please. Detective Trixie Belden." She tapped her foot while waiting to be connected.

"Trixie! You didn't waste any time getting back. I dug around and found some files that might interest you."

"On the old murder case?"

"Yep. Real interesting. Don't know if there's anything here to help you, though."

"At this point I'll take anything."

"At a stalemate?"

"Something like that."

"Well, if nothing else, these will make interesting reading. There's a lot here. Do you want me to fax it or mail it?"

"Fax. Do you have the number?"

"Is it the one on your card?"

"Yes."

"I'll send these now. Oh. I almost forgot. I checked and the sicko that did this is still in Green Haven. No way he's your man."

"Sure. Thanks Chief."

"I'll send these right now. You've got a lot of reading to do. And Trixie, if you need me for anything, you know where I am. Anything for my protégé."

"I appreciate this Chief." Trixie hung up, smiling. For years Molinson had called her every foul name imaginable. Now she was his protégé.

She walked over to fax machine. It took only one minute for it to start receiving the fax, but almost ten to print the entire file. Molinson was right; there was a lot of information. Trixie glanced over each page as it printed out. She couldn't believe her eyes. The photographs of the victim, at least those taken before the attack, showed a young woman, teen actually, who looked alot like one of the recent victims. While the copies of the crime scene photos were blurry, they were eerily similar. The final pages to print out were copies of news articles. The Chief was right. She had lots of reading to do.

x x x

The phone on Dan's desk buzzed and he picked it up.

"Mr. Mangan, I have Alex Bennett on the line."

"Thanks, Leslie. Put him through. Hey Alex."

"Dan. I've done some research for you."

"Thank you, Alex. What did you learn?"

"Well, in Virginia, we can request a commitment hearing without any consent from Jen. The person or persons requesting it, I guess that would be Rev. Gordon, must complete documents that are then be reviewed by a physician. Then the petitioner, the physician, and Jen will appear before a judge who makes a ruling. Usually, by the time it gets to the judge, its just a formality. The judge usually will commit for a limited amount of time, but it's a start."

"Sounds simple enough."

"I wouldn't call it that, but it can take place in a fairly reasonable amount of time. You don't have to have prolonged delays. We might be able to get some help for Jen soon."

"What do we need to do first?"

"Well, it would be a lot easier if a family member starts the process. The judge might not look too favorably on an ex-boyfriend filing for commitment. He might think you just want her out of the way."

"That's kind of obvious. I guess I'll have to talk to her father. The paper work. How much is there?"

"Surprisingly very little. I'm looking at it all here on my desk right now. Is there a local doctor who you could use for this? Maybe Jen's psychiatrist?"

"The only one I know of would be the one who treated her in the hospital. I believe it was a Dr. Parrish. Jack I think. Jack Parrish. He was in Arlington. North Buchanan Street. I remember that, Buchanan Street."

"I'll get his number. Do you want me to send these forms to you?"

"Fax them to me. I'll look at them and then call Rev. Gordon. Do you have a problem if I have him call you? I don't want to appear to be pushing him any more than I have to."

"No, I understand Dan. I was going to suggest that. I'll work with him. Does he know that I went to school with you and Jen?"

"I think I already told him that, I'll be sure to tell him again."

"I'll be waiting for his call. And Dan, this will all work out."

"Sure Alex. And thanks. Thanks for everything."

x x x

Dan had the faxed documents. He checked the number in his planner and called. "Reverend Gordon, please. This is Dan Mangan."

"Dan?"

"Hello Reverend. I spoke to my friend. Actually, he's a friend of Jen's. He was in law school with us."

"What'd he find out?"

"He has papers. He's talking to the doctor who saw Jen at the hospital. The one who wanted to help her, but...but she refused to see."

"Why wouldn't she see him? Was something wrong with him?"

"Nothing. He seemed to be a good doctor. Actually, I liked him. But he told Jen she, well, we both needed counseling. She didn't want to hear that. She accused me of, she thought I was conspiring with him."

"What relation is he to you?"

"Nothing! I'd never met him before the hospitalization." Dan tried to compose himself. "She had tried to kill herself. I was trying to get her help. That's all I want for her now!"

"Mrs. Gordon and I had a long talk about your call. Mrs. Gordon has tried to talk to Jen since then. She's, we are concerned. We think you're right. It was obvious she's not well. Her mother's afraid Jen might hurt herself."

"I could work with the attorney, but I think it should be you. I'm sorry. I know you don't... But maybe you can convince Jen... If not, Alex, the attorney, says the process will be easier if it's a family member who petitions the court. And you can choose a facility. Please believe that I only want what's best for Jen."

Silence.

"Alex said he would be waiting for your call. Do you want his number?"

"Give it to me."

Dan gave him two numbers in Virginia, an office phone and home phone.

"Thank you Dan. We'll make sure we do what's right for Jennifer."

"I hope so, Reverend Gordon. And..."

"Yes, Dan."

"I'm so sorry it came to this. I'm so sorry."

x x x

Trixie sat at her desk. She was reading through the files that Chief Molinson had faxed her. Earlier she had created a chart comparing all the recent cases. She was now adding a column for the old Sleepyside case.

"Still looking at those old files, Trixie?" Erica had walked up behind Trixie and was looking at the chart.

"Erica, it's eerie. There are so many similarities."

"I thought they caught the guy in Sleepyside."

"They did and he's in jail, but do you think this could be a copycat? Someone who has some connection to the old case? Or is it some kind of weird coincidence? Two sickos, almost twenty years apart who commit almost identical crimes?"

Erica walked up and looked closer at the chart Trixie had created on a dry erase board. "I dont know. It doesn't make much sense. But I don't think you're wasting your time." She walked back to her desk.

"Do you think I should focus my attention somewhere else?"

"No. No. Keep studying. I don't believe in coincidences. And you shouldn't either." Erica sat down and turned away.

Trixie went back to her work. There was a connection in here somewhere. She just had to find it.

x x x

Almost as soon as Trixie returned to studying the information faxed to her by Chief Molinson, she and Erica were called out to a crime scene. It was almost 6:00 that evening before they returned to the precinct.

"Didn't you say you had a date tonight?" Erica asked as they approached their desks.

"Mmm?" Trixie didn't even look up from the phone messages she was reading.

"Dinner, Belden. Don't you have plans?"

"Oh!" Trixie looked at the clock. "Ohmigosh. I..." She jumped up and grabbed her things. She wanted to go home and change before meeting Dan.

Trixie rushed home, showered and changed before rushing out again. She splurged and took a cab to the restaurant where she was meeting Dan. She tried to fix her hair and apply some makeup in the cab as it crept through the Manhattan traffic.

Dan was waiting outside the club when Trixie came running up the street from the corner where she'd had the cab drop her off. He laughed to himself and waved as he saw her approaching. Trixie always seemed to be in a hurry.

"I'm so sorry, Dan." She said breathlessly.

"Hey. It's okay Trixie. I just got here." He laughed as he brushed a stray curl off her forehead. "So, a jazz club? Woman truly after my heart?"

"A couple of guys at work recommended it. They said it has great music." Trixie offered as Dan held open the door and they went inside. They were greeted by the sounds of a young woman singing along with a pianist.

Dan smiled as he heard the all too familiar sounds. "My dad used to sing this."

"Really?"

Dan didn't reply. All he heard was the sound of his father's voice.

The young couple enjoyed an evening of fairly good food and wine, and excellent music. Trixie was surprised by the seeming transformation of Dan. It was obvious he was enjoying himself. For most of the evening he seemed in good spirits, although somewhat mellow. By the time they left the restaurant around midnight, he was joking and laughing heartily.

"So Dan, was it a good birthday?" Trixie asked as they were leaving.

"Birthday? Yes. Oh yes, Trixie. It's been a great birthday." He stopped and looked down at her. "Thank you." He held up the gift Trixie had given him. "And thanks for the gift. 'Daniel R. Mangan, Esquire. Assistant District Attorney'." He read the engraved nameplate and laughed. It's the first thing I've gotten with Esquire on it.

"Really?"

Dan nodded.

"And you enjoyed the music?"

"Oh, Trixie. It was great. Great."

"I like jazz, too."

"You like Dixieland?"

Trixie nodded.

"Well, I tell you what. There's a terrific club uptown. It's the best Dixieland north of Louisiana. When's your next night off?"

"Off?" Trixie wondered if he were asking what she thought he was. "I, I don't have a free evening until Sunday."

"Okay, I'll make sure they're open Sundays, and, if so, we'll go there this Sunday." Dan placed his hand in the small of Trixie's back and leaned down to talk to her as they walked up the block together. "You'll love this place. Guaranteed."

x x x

Trixie was humming when she let herself into her apartment. She couldn't remember when she'd last had such an enjoyable evening. Trixie had long ago accepted the fact that she did not fit into any pre-cast mold of how a young woman should behave or what her interests should be. In the past few years she had come to be proud of her individuality. Dan was one of the few people who she felt understood and accepted her just as she was. It wasn't often she felt she could just be "Trixie" and this evening she had been just that; herself.

Trixie went over to the phone and saw the message light blinking. She hit the replay button.

You have two messages.

Beeep.

Click.

Beeep.

"Trix? It's Erica. Apparently there's been another attack. The girl's already dead. I'm on my way to the scene. Meet me there as soon as you get the message. Here's the address...."

Trixie grabbed a pen and wrote down the address Erica recited. It was less than two blocks from Lexus Towers and one block from Trixie's apartment.

"Shiiii..." She mumbled as she opened up the small safe under her desk and took out her service revolver. She checked the clock as she strapped it on. It was going to be a long night, and an even longer week.

x x x

It was late morning when Trixie and Erica stumbled into the 19th Precinct. They spent several hours at the crime scene before following the dead girl to the morgue. After several more hours at the morgue they had returned to the apartment building where the girl lived to interview anyone they might have missed the night before.

They were called into the Captain's office as soon as they arrived. After ascertaining that they were dealing with a serial killer, he warned the two detectives that he had been summoned to One Police Plaza and their days on the case could be numbered.

"Captain, I know I'm onto something. I just need..." Trixie started to plead.

"What do you mean Belden?"

"I, it may be linked to a case from several years ago. I feel."

"Lane?" The Captain asked her senior partner.

"Belden may have something, sir. It's well, it's eerie how similar the cases are, but..."

"Well stay on it. Homicide hasn't taken over yet." The Captain turned around in his chair dismissing the two detectives.

"I think I'll check my messages and head out Trix. I might catch a few hours sleep before we have to be back in tonight." Erica said as they headed out of the office.

"I don't know if I can sleep. Maybe I'll check."

"Trixie! Dammit go home! We were here all day yesterday when it was supposed to be a day off. If you can't sleep, at least try to relax. You have to be back in this evening and we'll be on the streets most of the night. Full moon tonight."

"But..."

"Home!"

x x x

Trixie did exactly as she was ordered. She was still wearing the slacks and blouse she had worn to dinner with Dan the prior evening and reeked of cigarette smoke. While she still felt the adrenaline rush she'd had when called out, she knew that if she didn't get some sleep, she'd regret it later that evening. When she arrived home she noticed her answering machine blinking again.

You have one message.

Beeep.

Click.

Gee another hang up call. Trixie wondered as she headed for the shower.

x x x

Dan spent most of the day in court sitting second chair on an extortion case. While he was there primarily as a back up, a second set of eyes and ears, and would not be making any cross examinations or presentations, he was pleased with himself. It was rare for a new ADA to be doing anything other than routine arraignments and minor offenses such as DUIs. Dan was beginning to believe that he might have made the right decision to come to New York.

Despite his excitement and usual professionalism, Dan had some difficulty focusing on the trial. His mind kept wandering to the events of the prior evening. It had been a long time since he'd let down his guard and allowed himself to relax in that manner. Of course, it had been a long time since he'd enjoyed the company of a good friend. He realized it had been an even longer time since he'd enjoyed the company of a beautiful woman.

x x x

Mart Belden was stuffing papers into a large well-worn leather satchel. Thursday afternoon had finally arrived and he was headed back to Sleepyside and his family.

"Thanks for covering for me tomorrow morning, Steve," he told his office-mate. "This should be the last Friday I'm cutting out."

"It's okay, Mart. I know you want to get down state to Diana. I'm sure it's been a long week without her."

Mart had told his colleague only that there had been an emergency that necessitated his and Diana's rushing down to Sleepyside the prior weekend and that Diana and Katie had stayed with her parents. It wasn't a lie, but he didn't feel comfortable bringing his personal problems into the office, especially when he was only a part-time instructor hoping to gain full-time status.

"I'll make it up to you sometime."

"No need, Mart. This has got to be a killer semester for you. When do you have to submit your dissertation?"

"October 12. Then I wait for them to summon me to defend it. Hopefully, it'll be accepted and I'll get my degree in December."

"You will. Everyone I know is impressed as hell with you."

"They haven't seen my paper yet." Mart grabbed his bag and opened the door into the hall. "I'll see you on Monday."

Mart left the building and walked across campus to where he parked his car. He couldn't leave fast enough. In just a few hours he'd be in Sleepyside. He didn't know if Diana would see him tonight, but tomorrow they had an appointment with Dr. Kurtz. Their conference calls had only intensified his desires to reunite his family and do what was right for Diana. While he didn't totally understand her emotions, he did recognize that he had to make certain concessions and changes if their relationship was to survive. He'd agree to almost anything if it meant being reunited with his wife and daughter.

Mart put his satchel in the trunk next to his duffel bag. At least this weekend he'd arrive clean and with a change of clothes. He got into the Taurus, backed out of the parking space, and headed to his family.

x x x

The week passed fairly quickly for Honey Wheeler. As usual she had immersed herself in her work but, unlike recent weeks, she had enjoyed a personal visit or phone call each day from Barry. That afternoon he had sent her flowers because they'd gone "almost a full day without visiting". She was definitely impressed if not moved by his attention.

That evening she had hurried home to pack and prepare for the weekend trip to Vermont. She spent over an hour in an uninterrupted telephone conversation with Barry, something they hadn't enjoyed in almost three years, and returned to her chores. Barry had called to finalize their plans for the upcoming weekend, but they had ended up sharing many of their deepest feelings. It had felt good to open her heart to him once again.

Honey went into the kitchen of her apartment and finished cleaning up after her dinner. She marveled at how attentive Barry had been the past few days, but couldn't decide if she was the recipient of one of his infamous sales jobs, or if he had reformed.

Honey put the last dirty dish in the dishwasher and turned it on. She smiled to herself as she wiped down the counter. Barry was a good-hearted person. Of that she was almost certain. But he also was driven with ambition. She knew he could never set aside his ambitions, even for the love of a woman. She would just have to wait and see how things went. The only thing she did know for certain was she would never allow him to treat her as he had before. Never.

Honey turned off the kitchen light and went to finish packing.

x x x

Mart walked out the back door of his parents' home carrying a large garbage bag. He had made the drive down from Ithaca in record time and gone directly to Crabapple Farm. After a brief welcome from his mother, he went into his father's study to call Diana. Harrison, the butler, advised him that she and Katie were out for most of the afternoon and evening with Diana's mother. Mart hoped she was treating herself to something, anything that would make her feel good about herself. After the scene less than a week ago, Mart knew better than to leave a message with Harrison. The butler had always been especially protective of Diana, and Mart knew he had never approved of him. Mart said he'd call again later.

Later wasn't coming soon enough. Mart spent the rest of the afternoon and evening visiting with his mother and father. He was trying to be patient, giving Di time to return home before calling again.

He put the garbage bag in the trashcan and headed back towards the house. The sky was completely cloudless and the full moon and stars lit up the yard. Mart stopped and stared up at the sky. He thought of the evening, over ten years earlier, when he and Diana had stood in this exact spot, looking at the stars. It was the first time he'd declared his love for her aloud. He had told her something like none of the stars shone as brightly as Diana's would some day. Incredibly corny thing to say, even for a teenager, but it expressed what he still believed. Diana was a brilliant flame, lighting up every room she entered with her physical presence and personality. And her talent, her artistic talent was also a brilliant flame. He fully appreciated the promise of that talent, even if she hadn't been using it recently. If allowed, she had the potential of setting the artistic world on fire. He had a sudden realization. Diana's flame was flickering, perhaps even dying. As her artistic talent went unused, her vivacious personality was fading as well. Somehow he had to rekindle that flame.

He walked back into the kitchen to call his wife.

x x x

Just as he had done the week before, Mart left Dr. Kurtz's office and drove with Diana directly to Martin's Marsh Road. Instead of protesting as she had the prior Saturday, Diana laughed when he turned off Quaker Road and onto the dead-end lane.

Mart raised his eyebrows as he pulled to a stop. "Does this mean?"

Diana hit him lightly on the shoulder. "Well, Mr. Belden, one things for certain. You ARE persistent." She laughed again.

Mart cracked his window and shut down the engine. He unbuckled his seat belt and shifted in his seat so that he was leaning against his door and facing Diana. They sat half smiling, half staring at each other.

"I'm pretty well talked out, Mart."

"I know, Di." Mart cleared his throat. "I just, well it's the only way I can be alone with you and."

"And?"

"All the talking we've done this week. I've also done a lot of thinking on my own. I want to tell you without anyone present how much I love you. How determined I am to make you happy. Di, I'm speaking from my heart. I'm not trying to say what I think Dr. Kurtz wants to hear or what I think you want to hear. It's how I FEEL.

Diana nodded. Tears began running down her cheeks.

"Di, I can't remember not being in love with you. I. You. We. I need some guidance from you. What you want to do."

"I'm not sure, Mart."

"Do you want to move back to Sleepyside?"

"No. At least I don't think we need to come back here to be happy."

Mart nodded. He thought he understood. "Do you want to get back into teaching?"

Diana shook her head. "I hated that school."

"I know. I wish..." Mart hesitated before continuing. "Do you want to open a studio?"

Diana almost laughed. "A what?"

"A studio. A place for you to work, maybe show your work, maybe give lessons?"

Diana didn't respond.

"I can't do that and take care of Katie." She finally offered.

"Why not? We can get some help for Katie."

Diana looked at Mart. She shook her head. "The money."

"The hell with the money Di." Di looked surprised. "We're talking about your happiness...about OUR happiness."

Diana didn't know what to say.

I know we can't afford it on my salary, but..." Mart smiled sheepishly.

Diana perked up. "Do you mean?" She knew Mart was hoping to go on full-time with Cornell after receiving his doctorate.

"No, Di. I haven't heard anything official." He didn't want to even approach the subject of his teaching at Cornell. This conversation was supposed to be about Diana's needs and well-being. "I thought, well, if we can't afford for you to start a studio, well, maybe we could use some of your income. It's..."

"I don't know." Diana knew how proud and insistent Mart had always been about not touching her trust fund. He was always concerned about making his own wayand not raising any questions about having married her for her family fortunes. Diana considered her wealth more a burden than anything else and had always supported his decision. "We can look into it if you want." Suddenly Diana realized that she might be able to start painting again. She felt like her self for the first time in months.

"Let's look into that." She smiled at her husband.

x x x

Barry had barely tapped on the door to Honey's apartment when she opened it. She was dressed in jeans and a light-weight sweater and her eyes sparkled with anticipation. Barry stared open-mouthed at the lovely woman before him. In just three days, he'd forgotten how beautiful she was and how much she had changed in the past few months. He was dumbfounded when Honey kissed him on the cheek.

"I have two bags. Is that okay?" Honey asked as she scurried into the bedroom.

"Why ask?"

"Well, you used to give me such a hard time."

"Honey, it was one time. ONE TIME. And you took half the women's clothing in New York State."

"You had made it clear that it was an important occasion. AND no one could tell me what to bring; casual, formal, in-between. AND it was fall. No one knew if it'd be hot, cold or "

"Listen, now I know not to EVER mention clothes to you."

They both laughed as Barry took the larger suitcase. Honey ran through the apartment for one quick check and grabbed her purse and a light jacket before following Barry out into the hallway. She turned to lock the door.

Barry leaned down and spoke softly into her ear. "I cannot tell you how excited I am about this weekend."

Honey turned around. "Excited?"

Barry wiggled his eyebrows and they both laughed as they headed towards his car.

x x x

By Sunday, Trixie was exhausted. She had worked twelve or more hour days for most of the past two weeks. Finally she had accepted the need to take a day off to catch up on personal errands and especially rest. It was almost noon when the phone ringing woke her.

"Ho?" She mumbled into the phone receiver.

"Trixie?"

"Mmm? Dan?"

"Hey.I didn't wake you did I?" Dan leaned against his kitchen counter. Trixie sounded either half asleep or ill. He hoped she was okay. He had been looking forward to spending that evening with her.

Trixie sat up in the bed. "I'm sorry Dan. You did wake me. What time is it?"

"Are you okay? It's..." Dan looked over at the clock on his microwave. "It's going on twelve."

"Oh, gee. I slept in." Trixie ran her free hand through her tangled curls. "I've been working long hours and I, I guess I really was tired."

"That case you were telling me about? Is it catching up with you?" Trixie had shared some of the details of the recent murders, although not everything, with Dan earlier that week.

"Yeah," Trixie was fully awake now. "We're up to three in the City and two up in Highland Falls."

"Oh, gee, Trixie." Dan understood the toll the investigation must be taking on Trixie, both physically and emotionally. "Ah, are we still on for this evening?"

Trixie had been so busy with work, she'd pushed Dan's invitation to the back of her mind. That didn't mean she wasn't anxious to go. "Of course. That is if..."

"Good. I checked it out and they are open this evening. I thought I'd call for reservations. Seven okay or later?"

"Lets make it seven if you can." Trixie didn't want the evening to go too late. She would be back at work tomorrow. "Where exactly is this place? How do I get there?"

"Oh no, Trixie. I'll come by your place..."

"You don't have to do that." Trixie protested. It was beginning to sound a lot like a date.

Dan laughed heartily. "Trixie, I think we had the same argument earlier this week. No I dont have to, but I WANT to. I'll be by your place, say 6:30."

"Dan."

"Six-thirty then, Trixie."

x x x

Just as he promised, Dan arrived at Trixie's apartment promptly at six-thirty. Trixie had spent most of the afternoon trying to decide what to wear and she still was not ready when he buzzed her apartment.

"Yes?"

"Hey Trixie. Are you ready?"

"Oh no!" Trixie panicked. "I mean, oh gee. Let me buzz you in, Dan." Trixie quickly pulled on black jeans and a white satin blouse. She was still barefoot when Dan got to the door of her apartment. She opened the door and tried not to show her surprise at his appearance. He looked. He looked like. He was definitely oozing.

Dan shook his head in disbelief as he entered the apartment. Her hair was uncombed, her shirt-tail hung half out of her slacks and she was barefoot, but she was still like a fresh breeze that just blew into the pollution of his life. "Ah, you look , you look great, Trix."

"Ah, you too, Dan." Trixie stood there holding open the door and staring at Dan. He was dressed in black jeans and a black t-shirt. She hadn't seen him dressed that way in at least four years. "All black?" She mumbled.

"Clubbing clothes." Dan grinned. He looked down at Trixies bare feet. "Are you going to finish getting ready or?"

"Mmm?" Trixie jumped. She realized she was still holding open the door and staring rather rudely at Dan. "I'm sorry." She shut the door and headed over to her closet. "Now where are my shoes?"

Dan chuckled as he waited for Trixie to finish dressing. He knew Trixie well enough to know that when she became absorbed in an investigation she would be oblivious to anything else. Even on a day off.

x x x

Honey reached to put her key into the door lock. "Barry, please." She pleaded. Barry had his arms wrapped around her from behind and she couldn't bend over to see what she was doing.

Honey and Barry had just returned from what had been a wonderfully indulgent and romantic weekend in rural Vermont. Despite her reluctance to go at first, Honey now felt more contented than she had in months.

Barry laughed as he nuzzled the back of her neck and released her from his hold. He picked up her two suitcases and followed her into the apartment. "How do I ever thank you for this weekend?" He asked as he walked through the living area and set the bags down in the bedroom.

Honey shut the door and turned the deadbolt. She smiled rather wickedly at her companion. "You have already, but I might let you try again."

x x x

At the same moment, Trixie and Dan were climbing the stairs to Trixie's third floor apartment, returning from their evening at a jazz club. The were both humming, singing, and laughing as they climbed the stairs. Trixie was slightly in front of Dan and stopped abruptly when she reached the third floor landing. There was a dog curled up outside her door.

"What?" Trixie cried out as she ran over to the dog. She had thought it was asleep, but realized when she came closer that the dog was dead. She bent down over the animal. "Girl?" She asked softly. She turned and looked up at Dan inquisitively.

Dan shook his head. He was just as bewildered as Trixie. "Do you recognize him?" He asked.

Trixie looked a little closer at the dog. "Her." She corrected. Trixie shook her head. "I've never seen her before." She stood up. Dan could see the tears gleaming in her eyes. "Oh, Dan." She was clearly upset. "Where'd she come from? She has to belong to someone." Dan stroked Trixie's shoulders gently. "I guess we should call..."

Trixie unlocked her door and they stepped over the animal and into the apartment. Dan started to shut the door as Trixie went into the kitchenette to get the phone book and find a number for the animal control office. "No Dan. Don't shut her out." She pleaded.

Dan smiled to himself, marveling at Trixie's sensitivity. She might be a tough New York cop on the outside, but she had tears in her eyes tonight. He walked over to his friend and hugged her as she made the call.

It was some time before the animal warden came and removed the dog. The woman advised Dan and Trixie that it looked like the dog had been killed somewhere else and moved to where they had found the body. Trixie had no explanation, but was insistent that it had to be the prank of some kids. Accepting the futility in arguing with her, Dan finally left Trixie and returned home, just as certain that it could be some kind of threat or warning to her. He intended to make a few calls when he got to work the next morning.

x x x

Dan arrived at his office early the next morning and could barely wait until nine to make his first call. It was exactly 9:01 when he picked up his phone and punched in the Virginia number.

"Arnold, Parker and Stowe."

"Alexander Bennett, please. Tell him it's Dan Mangan." Dan waited.

"Dan. I was going to call you this morning. How are things in the Big Apple?" Dan could tell that Alex was forcing himself to sound upbeat.

"I'm not sure. That's why I'm calling you, I guess."

"Oh Gee..." Alex made no attempt to hide his concern. "Did you hear from Jen?"

"That's the good news, I suppose." Dan began before Alex interrupted.

"I met with her parents on Saturday."

"They're in Virginia?"

"Yeah. They came up Friday and pretty much confronted Jen with what they know and she went off."

"Went off?" Dan feared what Alex would say.

"Let me finish, Dan." Alex paused. "They told her your.... their fears and she accused them of forming a conspiracy with you...Ha! Imagine her thinking that they're now allied with you?" Alex didn't wait for Dan to answer. "Anyway, her behavior pretty much convinced them that she needed immediate help, so on Saturday they met with Dr. Parrish and then later with me. Jen seemed agreeable, even willing, to commit herself but disappeared yesterday afternoon."

"Oh, gee," Dan couldn't think of what to say.

"I tried to call you last night, Dan, but you didn't answer your phone and the answering machine wasn't working."

"Oh, gee," Dan realized he must have disconnected it when he was moving furniture that week-end.

"Do you think she's here? In New York?" Dan asked.

"I don't know, Dan." Alex sounded almost as miserable as Dan felt. "I just wanted you to know she might turn up."

"She may have already..."

"What?" Alex interrupted.

Dan proceeded to tell Alex about what he and Trixie had found outside Trixie's apartment. He related how he had felt almost instinctively from the moment he saw the dog that it was not coincidental that a dead dog had been placed at Trixie's doorstep.

"You know what Jen always called Trixie don't you?" Dan asked his friend.

"No, but I think I know what you're getting at." Alex almost smiled. "Was it a female dog?"

"Yep."

"Is she really that sick?"

"Oh, Alex," Dan moaned. "I hope not.

x x x

Trixie and Erica spent most of the day out on routine assignments. It was late afternoon before they returned to the precinct. There was a large pile of pink message slips on Trixie's desk. She was pleasantly surprised when she found a message to call Dan. His was the first call she returned.

"Dan Mangan, please. This is Detective Belden returning his call."

"Trixie? Thank God. Where have you been?" Dan spoke rapidly into the phone.

"Dan?" Trixie laughed at the concerned tone of his voice. "I've been working."

"I...Oh, Trixie...I think ...How do I say this?" Dan tried to gather his wits. "I don't think the dog, that dog last night was a coincidence."

"Dan, we went through this last night."

"No...Trixie...It's Jen."

Trixie plopped in her chair. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, Trixie, I don't want you involved in this."

"Sounds like I am already."

"I've been talking to her parents about her problems.... they, they finally confronted her this weekend to try to get her some help." Dan didn't know how to continue. "She... she disappeared."

"And came here, to New York?" Trixie was still a little confused.

"We don't know...but she thinks everyone, you, me, her parents, are part of some conspiracy to I don't know...get rid of her."

"And in retaliation she'd kill a dog and..." Trixie was trying to understand.

"Oh, Trixie...Do you know what she called you?"

"Huh?"

"Trixie..."

"Oh!" Trixie laughed out loud. "Dan, I've been called a lot, A LOT worse!" Trixie tried her best to make light of it all.

"Trixie, should you file a report?"

"On what?"

"The dog."

"Dan, get real. I'm not going to file any report about last night." Despite her tone, Trixie understood Dan's concerns. "But I do promise...I will be extra cautious and watch for her, okay?"

"I'm so sorry, Trixie. You...you shouldn't be involved in this."

"Dan." Trixie interrupted. "You're my friend. I'd...I'd do anything for you."

x x x

Somehow, Dan found the strength to get through the next few days. He kept in close contact with Alex and spoke to Jen's parents but they had no idea where Jen might be. Finally, after the requisite forty-eight hours, they filed a Missing Persons Report with the police in Virginia. It took almost no time for a local policeman to interview Dan. Dan made certain he shared his concerns about Trixie, despite his not wanting to create any embarrassment for her or involve her any more than necessary. Fortunately, the detective who interviewed him knew Trixie and at least appeared to be sensitive to his concerns.

By Tuesday evening, the detective had also spoken to Trixie. As soon as he left, Trixie attempted to contact Dan. She knew Dan had to be miserable and in desperate need of support. Although it was late, he was in his office.

"Dan? I'm glad you gave me your direct line or I never would have tracked you down." Trixie tried to sound casual. "It's a little late to be working isn't it?"

"Tell me Trixie, are you at work or home?"

"Okay, but I'm supposed to work shifts." Trixie paused wondering how best to broach the subject of Jen. "I was just talking to Detective Coleman."

"I'm sorry, Trixie." Dan offered.

"No Dan, I understand why you felt it necessary to tell him about the dog."

"I know you disagree, but it very well could have been Jen."

Trixie shook her head, although she realized Dan couldn't see it.

"Dan."

"Trixie."

They had started to speak at the same time.

"Dan, I'll accept it MIGHT have been Jen...but if she came to New York where is she now?"

"Trixie...I...I hope to God she's not here. But you still need to watch for her." Dan gave a forced laugh. "I do too."

"If she's here she'll show herself soon, don't you think?"

"I hope so, Trix."

x x x

The latest problems with Jen were taking their toll on Dan. He couldn't eat or sleep, and he was having trouble focusing on his work. After talking to Trixie, he remained at the office until almost midnight before returning to his apartment. He then spent half the night tossing in his bed and the other half sitting in his recliner watching music videos on cable television. He looked and felt like some sort of zombie when he went back to the office the next morning.

Almost as soon as he sat at his desk the phone rang.

"Mangan."

"Dan? Good news."

Dan could barely believe the words.

"They found Jen."

Dan gave a silent prayer of thanks. "Where? Is she?"

"Her mother went back to South Carolina and found her in their home there. She..."

Dan felt himself begin to panic.

"Oh no." He could barely speak. "She's not..."

Alex realized what Dan must be thinking. "She's fine, Dan." He interrupted. "She... well she was pretty confused but physically she's okay. Her mother put her in a hospital there and her Dad's on his way down this morning."

Dan sunk down in his chair. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Alex, oh man, that is so good to hear...I mean... Not good, but..."

"I know exactly what you mean, Dan." Alex tried to console his friend. "Listen, you did everything you could. And now she's getting the care she needs."

Alex filled Dan in on the remaining details as he knew them and the two men agreed to get back in touch. Alex knew Dan well enough to know that although the immediate crisis had passed, Dan would need some serious support over the next few weeks to relieve himself of guilt and move on.

Dan hung up the phone before realizing he still didn't know if Jen had been in New York over the weekend or not. He immediately picked up the phone and dialed the number for the 19th Precinct.

"Detective Belden, please. This is Dan Mangan."

"Detective Belden."

Dan proceeded to relate the details of his conversation with Alex.

Trixie was relieved to know that Jen was safe and getting the care she needed, but she was especially happy to know that Dan could move on. She tried to convey these feelings to him as well brighten his mood.

"By the way Dan, are we still on for Friday?"

"You said you wanted to drive?"

"I'm getting off early. Then I have some errands to run during the afternoon and I'll need my car. I thought I'd go ahead and drive, if it's okay with you. I can pick you up whenever you're ready."

"I need to work all day. What time did you want to leave?"

"Whenever you're ready. I can pick you up at your office. Five-thirty, six okay?"

"Six."

"I'll be driving my Honda Accord. Green."

"Are you still driving that wreck? Trixie, when are you going to get something newer?"

"Dan, it's perfectly reliable and I hardly use it living in the City."

"I'll be waiting at the side entrance. But, Trixie, tell me one thing. How can a lowly police detective afford to keep a car in New York City?"

"Well." Trixie paused. "I have contacts."

"What do you mean?" Dan knew she was teasing.

Trixie chuckled. "One of the guys at the station has a brother who owns a gas station. It's only a few blocks from my apartment and he gives discount rates, BIG discount parking rates to friends of his brother."

"Isn't that illegal?"

"Dan! He's just giving a friend a break. He has to keep the lot for the cars he's working on. He has cops in and out of the place at all hours. He makes a few extra bucks every month on me although its less than he might make from someone else. And I save more than just a few bucks." Trixie sighed aloud. "Besides, at the most, it's a zoning violation."

"Class Two Misdemeanor, Trixie." Dan laughed.

"Okay, counselor." Trixie knew her law as well. "I don't know what the zoning is for that lot there and I made a point NOT to check it. Besides, I wouldn't be citing him."

"But I could."

"Dan! Are you threatening?"

"No, Trixie." Dan interrupted her, changing his tone a little. "Just don't ever tell me WHERE you park your car."

"Agreed." Trixie laughed.

"I need to go, Trixie. I am at work. Can't wait to see you."

"Me too, Dan. Bye." Trixie was pleased with her self. The man who just said good bye didn't sound anything like the man who had called.

Dan stared at the phone. Can't wait? What the heck did you mean by that? Dan asked himself.

x x x

Brian sat at the Formica-topped table in the physicians' lounge, eating a sandwich and leafing through a medical journal. He'd settled into his motel room and was reasonably comfortable, except for not eating anything but cold sandwiches and fast food. Other than occasionally seeing his next-door neighbor arrive or leave with her johns he hadn't heard or seen much. He actually was getting more rest than he had when he shared the apartment with Joyce.

Joyce walked into the lounge. "Oh!" She started to turn around.

"It's okay, Joyce." Brian stood up. "I was just getting ready to leave."

Joyce came over to the table and sat down. She took the plastic wrap off the salad she had purchased in the cafeteria. "You still have some things at the apartment. When are you coming to get them?"

"I'll be by in a day or two. I need to give you my key, too."

Joyce stared at her salad.

"I'm sorry, Joyce. I..."

"Don't apologize. I'll live. We both will." She picked up the plastic fork and stabbed a cucumber.

Brian nodded. "Are you working tomorrow night?" He asked as he turned to leave.

"No. I get off at four."

"I can come by then, or would you prefer I come when you're not there?"

"Tomorrow night's fine."

"Okay, I'll come by when I get off my shift, five-thirty, six." Brian walked out.

"Fine. See you then." Joyce watched him leave and then bit into the cucumber slice. It had no taste. She got up and dumped the salad into the trash on her way out of the lunchroom.

x x x

It was almost a week before the Captain called Trixie and Erica back into his office to discuss what was becoming known as the Uptown Killer case. When he met with his superiors at Police Headquarters he had convinced them to keep the case in his precinct and not create a special Task Force, at least for a while longer. The Captain believed that Trixie might be on to something, although he was trusting her instincts more than anything she had shown him.

"Well, ladies, looks like you haven't found much."

"I know Captain, but.."

"I think your instincts are good, Belden. I recognize you haven't had sufficient time to follow through properly on everything. I tell you what." The Captain leaned his chair as far back as it would go, bumping against the console behind his desk. "I understand you're off this weekend, Belden?"

"Captain, I can stay."

"No, no. Take it. As of Monday morning I'm pulling you two off regular duty and I want you to focus all of your time on this case. All of it!"

Trixie's jaw hung open. She knew how shorthanded and overworked the detectives were.

"This is only for a short while."

Trixie and Erica nodded their understanding.

"If we don't make some progress FAST, it's going to go downtown. I'd like to see it all taken care of here." He paused. "Do you understand?"

Trixie and Erica nodded again. They knew what risks he must be taking.

"Belden?"

"Yessir."

"Lane?"

"Yessir."

The Captain turned back towards his computer screen.

x x x

Barry had wanted desperately to take Honey out to dinner that evening, but she needed to stay in and pack for her trip to Richmond. They compromised by his picking up some carry-out and coming by her apartment.

Except for time spent at work, Honey and Barry had been virtually inseparable since returning from Vermont. They both had put in ten to twelve hour workdays but returned to Honey's apartment each evening. Honey believed she now knew what it meant to be "swept off your feet." Barry had been incredibly loving, charming and attentive.

While eating their Chinese, they were discussing her travel plans.

"When do you get back Sunday?"

"My plane comes in at 7:45."

"Why don't I pick you up? We'll get something to eat." Barry looked at the woman staring so intently at him. "And let me take you to the airport on Thursday. Save you the parking. When do you fly out?"

"Three twenty-something."

"Great, it's done. Do you want me to pick you up here or at your office?"

"That's asking too much."

"No it's not. It's a great excuse to spend some extra time with you. Here or?"

"I planned to work at least a half day."

"Okay I'll pick you up at one? One-thirty?"

x x x

Mart lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling after spending another sleepless night. He rolled over and checked the time on the alarm clock. 5:45 glowed in the dark. He rolled back over and stared at the ceiling some more. After laying in that bed alone almost every night for two weeks, he believed he knew every crack and brush stroke on the ceiling and walls of the room. Despite his promise at work to not skip out on his Friday classes he decided to head down to Sleepyside that afternoon. And this time he was NOT returning without his wife and daughter.

He rolled over and looked at the clock again. 5:49. He decided if he couldn't sleep he could at least get up and try a little exercise.

x x x

Honey looked out the window of her hotel room, staring at the Richmond Convention Center directly across from her hotel and the Coliseum beyond it. The entire area was dark and deserted. She wondered if the streets of Richmond were always this desolate. In the distance she could see the lines of headlights moving in both directions on I-95. She could make out some headlights moving on a parallel road and assumed that was U.S. Route 1. To her right, she could barely make out the large contemporary buildings that made up the MCV campus. Richmond was a foreign city to her. She had no idea if she would like living there, but imagined it couldn't be too different from the state capital where she now resided.

Honey started to draw the curtains shut. She hesitated, watching the traffic in the distance for some time, trying to imagine life in Richmond and the life she might have there.

She was nervous about her interview in the morning. The Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine (VIFSM) is the first facility of its kind in the United States, providing training for scientists in Virginia and public and private sectors nationwide in disciplines ranging from toxicology to forensic pathology to DNA testing. Honey was interviewing for a key staff position related to the second phase of the Institute's development that would include continuing and expanded educational opportunities for law enforcement, medical and legal professionals, postgraduate fellows, and researchers.

This clearly was an opportunity of a lifetime. Honey was confident that she had a good resume and strong references. She was confident of her training and capabilities. Her major concern was her youth and lack of experience. The listings had specified only a Masters degree as required, but Honey had been certain they would consider nothing less than a person with a doctorate. She was pleasantly surprised when she'd been called for an interview.

"Just wait and see." She said aloud.

Ringggg.

Honey closed the curtains and answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Honey, sorry it's so late, but I figured you'd have trouble sleeping."

"You know me well, Barry."

"So tell me about Richmond."

x x x

At the same time, Brian pulled up in front of his motel room. He was completely drained. While loading up the car with the last of his belongings had been physically tiring, being in the apartment with Joyce had been emotionally exhausting. He started to open the hatch back of his Subaru, but changed his mind. If someone was dumb enough to break into his car to steal medical journals and some well-worn clothing, then, well, then they deserved what they got. He locked the door and went into his room.

He walked over to the windows without turning on any lights and started to draw the curtains shut. He stood and watched the cars traveling up and down US Route 1. Less than a month and he'd be in Richmond. He had returned his letter of acceptance and all of the requisite forms off to MCV and finalized all the arrangements to move into his apartment. He stood and watched the traffic for some time, trying to imagine life in Richmond...and the life he might have there.

He knew he had excelled in his academic and professional life in Baltimore, but he had made a complete disaster of his personal life during the past six years. Richmond would be a new start, new opportunities. Would he be happy there, or would his personal life always be a mess?

A battered pick-up truck pulled into the parking lot. His next-door neighbor was snuggled up against the driver. He pulled the curtains shut, walked over to the television and turned it on. He sat in the dark staring at the screen, oblivious to what was on it.

"Well, things can only get better." He said aloud.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I am not a mental health professional and my description of the commitment process in Virginia is meant to be a very vague description of what I understood the process to be over ten years ago when I was working part-time in a physician's office and one of our patients was forcibly committed. I can assure you that while it did not seem to be very complicated, there were checks and balances in place and all the people involved (physician, judge, law enforcement, etc.) were conscientious and concerned first and foremost with the patient's welfare.