This story is about breast cancer. I know for some it might be difficult if not impossible to read. I understand. I’m not one who likes to give or get spoilers but there are times when they are appropriate. Should you need to know any details before you make the decision to read this please contact me.

Chapter Twenty-five

Friday, February17, 2008

It had been a busy week. On Wednesday Trixie and Honey had interviewed the five candidates from Ten Acres Academy for the office position. After much discussion and a consultation with Jim, they had decided to hire Paul Cronin and Hillary Martin. Paul Cronin had surprised both Trixie and Honey with his interview. Normally known as the school clown, he was very serious about the interview and offered some excellent skills that would benefit the agency.

Hillary Martin’s interview went equally well. She had excellent computer skills and was a whiz at putting together spread sheets. She had made some suggestions to Trixie and Honey about developing a program that would help them keep track of facts and evidence from their investigations.

There were a few details still to be worked out, but the two would begin work on Tuesday afternoon. Both Trixie and Honey knew that Honey would do a better job of explaining the inner workings of the office. No one anticipated that Trixie would be working on Tuesday.

Trixie spent the rest of the week doing some computer research for one of the clients with whom Honey had just signed a contract. The two of them also discussed the layout of the office. With plans to hire another investigator soon, they discussed whether they should remodel the office space or look for a different, more spacious one.

Trixie had come into the office early. She wanted to get as much done by noon as she could. She would be having her second round of chemo on Monday and wanted to make the most of the weekend.

When Honey came into the office at eight o’clock, Trixie had already researched some options for remodeling the office as well as checked out available office space within a mile radius of downtown Sleepyside.

“So have you come to any conclusions?” Honey asked.

“Well, if we ever find another investigator that will fit our needs, I think it would be easier to relocate than to remodel. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I’m really up for that right now,” Trixie said. “I’m so frustrated. I can’t understand why we haven’t had any more inquiries for the position. I don’t think we’d be too hard to work for and we are offering a competitive wage and benefits.”

Honey set down her laptop and went over to get her requisite cup of coffee. “Well, I for one am not going to worry too much about either issue right now. You’re going to be in no shape to do anything next week and I’ll be busy training our office assistants.”

“I know you’re right and before we really start looking for places to relocate to, we need to decide how we want to set up our office. I wish there was some way we could put up retractable doors. I like having our desks in the same room. It helps when we are working on the same case. We can discuss the case and have our computers handy but then when we both need to be on the phone, it can be distracting.” As Trixie got up from her desk, Honey’s phone rang.

To drive the point home, the call seemed to be from Brian and didn’t concern Trixie. Trixie walked into the kitchenette area to refill her coffee cup and then washed up the few dishes that were sitting in the sink. By the time she was done, Honey was off the phone.

“Thanks, Trix,” Honey said. She didn’t elaborate on the phone call and Trixie respected her enough not to ask.

The two detectives sat down and got to work. After about an hour, Trixie leaned back in her chair and said, “Well, I think I’ve had it. I’ve got everything wrapped up for the week and there shouldn’t be any loose ends next week either. I’m going to head home and get a few things lined up at home for next week.”

“I’m not going to stay very late. They are supposed to deliver the new computer for the reception area early this afternoon. Once it arrives, I’m going to head home as well. Call me if you need anything,” Honey replied.

Trixie backed up her computer and then shut it down. She gathered her purse and cell phone and then headed home.

Dan was sitting in a meeting with Chief Molinson. Since Tuesday there had been two more businesses broken into and coincidentally McDaniels had been the first officer on the scene and had destroyed evidence at both locations. Dan was livid.

“How do you expect me to have any luck solving this case if every time there is a robbery the evidence is destroyed?” Dan said through clenched teeth.

“I’m getting pressure from the mayor and city council to find out who is responsible for this,” said Molinson.

Dan looked around the office as if to assure himself that the walls didn’t have ears and then lowered his voice, “Well, maybe the next time the mayor says anything, you should put the blame where it belongs, with his nephew.”

“I know and you know that McDaniels is incompetent, but you know how the mayor is. He doesn’t want to hear anything bad about his golden boy nephew.”

Dan threw his hands up in frustration. “I don’t know if he’s incompetent or if he’s smarter than he lets on. I find it rather interesting that the only time there is a robbery, McDaniels is on duty and the first person to arrive at the scene. Something seems fishy.”

A dark shadow came over Molinson’s face. He stood up and walked over to the door of his office to make sure no one was listening before he continued. “Be careful what you say, Dan. The walls do have ears. Unless you have 100% proof that McDaniels is crooked, don’t even think it. The mayor holds a grudge for a long time.”

Dan resisted the urge to vent his frustration by punching his hand through the wall and said, “Tell that to the security guard from Crimper’s who is still in a coma or the guy who just happened to be walking by Ron’s Electronics when the robbers were striking. He’s facing months of physical therapy.”

“My hands are tied, Dan,” Molinson said. “Keep your eyes open and do the best you can. I’ll try to run interference with the mayor.”

Dan got up and headed toward the door. “Gee, thanks,” he said sarcastically. “Your generosity is only exceeded by your looks. I am supposed to have the entire weekend off. My lovely wife and I are going to celebrate a belated Valentine’s Day since I got called in at noon on Tuesday after working a twelve-hour shift. Maybe if I can actually have 48 hours off in a row, my attitude will improve.”

With that Dan walked out of Molinson’s office, past the receptionist and out the door of the police department. He had his cell phone in his hand before he hit the sidewalk. After a call to a bed and breakfast in Connecticut, he headed home. There he packed an overnight bag for both Hallie and himself.

His cell phone rang as he was heading out the door. Dan groaned thinking it was probably Molinson calling him back in to handle an emergency. He glanced at the caller I. D. and realized it was Jim.

“What’s up, Jim?” Dan said after he answered the phone.

“Did I get you at a bad time?” Jim asked.

“I’m just trying to get out of town before Molinson calls me back in to investigate another robbery,” Dan said.

“Well, I won’t keep you,” Jim replied. “I hadn’t seen you since the pizza party. I know you had a good time but I sensed something was really bothering you.”

Dan was tempted to bare his soul to Jim. There weren’t too many things that Dan wouldn’t tell Jim, but he didn’t want to air the police department’s dirty laundry, even to Jim. “Nothing I can talk about now. Thanks for the concern though,” Dan replied.

“Well, you know where to find me.”

“I’m glad you called. I’m taking Hallie away for the weekend and I’m leaving the cell phones turned off. In case there’s a family emergency. we’ll be at the Wallingford Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Connecticut.”

“Have a great time. I’d suggest meeting for lunch next week but Trixie has her second round of chemo on Monday,” Jim said.

Dan stopped what he was doing, “Damn, I forgot that was next week. We’ll be back on Sunday night.” Dan was about to hang up when he said. “If you need anything let me know. We all want to help out where needed.”

“Is your middle name Moms?” Jim asked. “I learned my lesson last time. Now that we know what might happen, we can all be better prepared.”

“Ten years of marriage to a Belden and twenty years around the family and it wears off on you even if you don’t want it to,” Dan chuckled. After a few more comments, the two friends ended their conversation.

Dan had everything ready to go when Hallie walked into the house. He had contemplated meeting Hallie at her office and going from there but he thought it would be more fun to take Hallie’s car than his truck even if it was way too cold to put down the convertible top.

Hallie was met with a huge hug and kiss when she walked into the house. “What’s this all about?” she asked.

“I don’t have time to explain right now. I want to get out of town before someone from the department calls and tells me I have to come into work. I’ve got 48 hours before I have to report back to work and I’m going to spend every one of them with my beautiful wife.” Dan said.

Hallie was speechless.

Dan continued, “I’ve packed an overnight bag for you. I hope I got everything, but if I didn’t we can stop someplace along the way. I’ve made reservations at a bed and breakfast in Wallingford, Connecticut.” Dan grabbed one of the overnight bags and handed it to Hallie. He picked up the other one, grabbed her free hand, placed a quick kiss on her forehead and pulled her out the door.

“Can’t I at least change out of my office clothes?” Hallie protested.

“There’s your favorite pair of jeans, a sweater and your brown boots on the top of the bag. I know I’m being paranoid, but I really want to get out of town. I’m not even going to turn on my phone. Jim knows where to find us if there’s an emergency.”

By now Hallie had been able to process all that Dan had told her. She started to giggle in delight. The last week had been particularly difficult. She had tried to make their home a safe haven for Dan from his troubles at work. No matter what she did though, she couldn’t prevent the phone from ringing. Hallie was beginning to hate Dan’s job even more than Dan did.

“Let’s get out of here,” Hallie said.

Like Honey and Trixie, Hallie usually drove her car even if her husband was going along. It was one of those things that had evolved years ago when they had each gotten their first cars. Today, however, Hallie wanted to relax. She also knew that Dan loved the feel of power behind her sporty vehicle, so he drove. The two of them sat in companionable silence for the first forty-five minutes of the drive.

Hallie was thinking about all that had happened in the last month. It seemed like just yesterday that she and Dan had spent the week watching the Frayne children while Jim and Trixie were in Rochester. She still was amazed how their relationship had improved. She really loved how her family and friends were able to offer guidance without interference. It was a true testament to the friendships they had developed over the years.

All of a sudden, Hallie’s eyes opened wide. She had just realized something. Suddenly, she asked Dan to stop at the next superstore. “It won’t be a minute,” she said. “I just started getting a headache and realized I didn’t have any pain reliever.”

“I can run in,” Dan volunteered.

Hallie rushed. “Don’t worry about it. I know how you hate going into these stores. I know exactly where I can find what I need. Fortunately all stores are laid out relatively the same. I’ll only be a minute,” she repeated.

Before Dan knew what had happened Hallie was out of the car and into the store. Dan decided to get out and stretch his legs. Within a few minutes Hallie was back and they were on the way.

It had been a busy week at Ten Acres Academy. Valentine’s Day was always challenging at the school. So many of the students had been denied love from their parents at an early age and so they often times showed their insecurities during holidays. It was like they couldn’t believe they had finally found someone, or actually lots of people, who truly cared about them. The seniors were particularly affected. It happened every year starting right after the beginning of second semester. While they had grown to love the Academy and were excited about furthering their education, they were also afraid. In the eyes of the state, once they were eighteen or had completed high school, they were on their own.

The past week had been particularly hard. After the high of the pizza and game night, it was like a switch was flipped and all of the seniors had been acting out. By the middle of the week, it finally dawned on Mart what was wrong. The students were afraid of losing the only family they really had.

The first thing Mart did was to give the students a writing assignment that had them dealing with something they fear. How the students approached the assignment was up to them. They could write a poem, keep a journal or write a story. To Mart, it really didn’t matter how they did it; his main goal was to get the students to confront their biggest fears. He was really glad that Julia Wallace had been hired as a full time school psychologist this year. He felt sure that she would be getting a lot of visits this week.

Mart hadn’t realized how draining the week had been until the last bell of the day had rung and the students had headed back to their bungalows. He was straightening up his desk and checking to make sure everything was ready for the next week. He wasn’t planning on doing any prep work or paper grading over weekend. He had just finished up and was leaning against his desk when Diana came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him.

“Rough week?” she asked.

“You know how it is this time of the year. I just wish there was more we could do to reassure these kids that they will always have a place here, just the way Jim wants it.”

Diana rested her head on his shoulder and said, “Well, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. They’ll find out when they are ready to believe it.”

Mart turned into Diana and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Let’s get out of here. Next week will be a long week. With Trixie having chemo, who knows how much time Jim will be able to spend at the school.”

Mart realized that what he said sounded almost like sour grapes. He started to correct himself.

“I know what you meant, Mart,” Diana reassured. “We all have our jobs. And you do a wonderful job keeping this place from falling apart while Jim keeps Trixie from doing the same.”

The two of them headed out of the school arm in arm. Unlike the other Bob-Whites, Mart always drove. It wasn’t a chauvinistic thing. Diana really didn’t like driving that much. She was a good driver, she just preferred riding. There were days she wished they had a chauffeur like the Wheelers had.

The drive home was a silent one. That was the way it usually was. The fifteen minutes it took to drive from Ten Acres Academy to their hobby farm on the other side of town allowed them both time to unwind before they got home. Diana would review anything that needed to be done before the next school day and try to put in perspective any incidents that happened. When they got out of the car at their house, they turned off their jobs as much as they could and became Mart and Diana, husband and wife and parents.

Diana ran next door to the neighbor’s to pick up the kids. Earlier in the year they had discussed whether or not the kids could just come home from school and wait for them until they got home. After much thought, they had decided that for at least one more year they would go to the neighbors who did in-home daycare. Alex and Tommy were anxious to be on their own but Jill and Jody weren’t.

Mart went inside, and after depositing the little work he had brought home in their home office, started to make supper. When Diana came back with the kids, they all pitched in. Jill and Jody set the table, and Tommy helped make a salad. Alex went about peeling potatoes. While they worked, they talked about school and friends, whatever was important to the kids. The kids knew not to ask about using the computer or watching T.V. until supper was over and all of their homework was done. Usually the kids had their homework done by the time Mart and Diana came home. All that was left to do was for them to check it over. The rule included Friday so that homework wasn’t hanging over their heads for the rest of the weekend.

“Anyone got any requests for the weekend?” Diana asked.

“Can we go tobogganing tomorrow?” asked Alex.

“If it’s not too cold it would be fun. Do you want to go with anyone else?” Mart replied.

“Well, I thought it would be fun to ask Johnny Davis,” said Tommy as he finished tossing the salad. Besides Mickey and Matt, Johnny was Tommy’s best friend in school.

“Ben Goodman doesn’t live too far from Johnny. I’d like to invite him,” said Alex.

“I don’t want to go tobogganing,” said Jill. “I want to do some sort of crafts.”

“Me, too,” said Jody. Jill was the more outgoing of the two girls. Generally whatever Jill wanted to do Jody would tag along.

Over dinner the six of them discussed plans for the next day. By the time they had finished dinner and the kitchen was cleaned up, they had a plan for the day. Diana would take Jill and Jody to the craft store in the morning to pick up supplies for later. Mart, Alex and Tommy would round up material for a bonfire. The kids called their friends to invite them over. The Bob-Whites and their families were included. After crafting and tobogganing, they would enjoy hot dogs and s’mores cooked over the bonfire.

Hallie and Dan arrived at the bed and breakfast about seven o’clock. They checked in and after unpacking their bags, they headed out to dinner. The innkeeper had recommended a restaurant within walking distance of the inn. After spending the last several hours in the car they decided the walk would do them both good.

They were surprised when they got to the restaurant. Despite it being Friday night, they were seated right away. The waitress brought over their menus and asked for their drink order. Dan ordered a draft beer, while Hallie surprised him by ordering a club soda with a twist of lime.

“What’s this? No wine?” Dan asked.

Hallie stalled for a minute, “I’m just not in the mood.”

Over dinner the two of them talked about everything except Dan’s job. By tacit agreement they decided that they wouldn’t ruin their dinner by having that discussion.

“Trixie has her next chemo on Monday,” Dan commented.

“Yeah, I know. I sure hope things go better than last time,” said Hallie.

“Well, even if the chemo hits her harder than last time, I think they will do better handling it,” Dan replied.

“Why do you say that?”

Dan thought back to all that had happened in the last three weeks, “Because Jim has finally realized that even Superman needs a little help from his friends and Wonder Woman knows it’s okay to ask for help.”

Hallie took one last bite of her steak and laid her silverware down. “I can’t eat another bite.”

Dan signaled the waiter for their check. After paying the bill and leaving a tip, the two of them headed back to the inn. As they were walking back, Hallie’s stomach started to feel a little queasy. At first she didn’t think much of it, but by the time they got back to the inn she barely made it to the bathroom before she lost her supper.

Dan was concerned. Hallie never got sick. At first he thought it might have been something she ate but then he realized that other than his beer and Hallie’s club soda they had eaten the same things.

One thing Dan did know was that if Hallie was sick, she didn’t want him hovering around her. She didn’t like to be waited on. She’d rather take care of everything herself. After about five minutes Dan called in, “Are you okay, Hallie?”

When Dan didn’t hear a reply, he got concerned. He walked over to the bathroom door and gently knocked on it. “Hallie, can I come in?” he whispered. Still there was no answer. Slowly he pushed open the door to the bathroom. Hallie stood in the middle of the bathroom with tears running down her cheeks.

Dan rushed over to Hallie and took her in his arms. Concern washed over his face. “What’s wrong, honey?”

Hallie rubbed the tears from her eyes. That’s when Dan noticed the white stick in Hallie’s hands. She showed him the stick. At one end was a little window with a blue plus in it.

“What is this?” Dan was confused. He truly had no idea what he was looking at and why it would make Hallie cry.

“It’s a pregnancy test,” Hallie replied.

Dan’s mind reeled. Then he thought about the tears he had seen in Hallie’s eyes. “It’s okay,” he said further wrapping her in his arms and stroking her hair. “We’ve only been trying for less than a month. We’ll have a great time trying to make that baby.”

Hallie pushed away from Dan so she could look in his eyes while still remaining in his embrace. “What are you talking about? The test is positive. I think I’m pregnant.”

For three minutes Dan was speechless. A grin grew across his face mingled with tears that pooled in his eyes. “I’m gonna be a daddy,” he finally said. “I’m gonna be a daddy.”

Hallie smiled back up to him, “And I’m gonna be a mommy. I don’t think I realized how much I wanted to be one until just now.”

Dan led Hallie back into their room and over to the sofa that sat in front of the gas fireplace. He turned on the fireplace and dimmed the lights. For the next hour they discussed their dreams and wishes for their unborn child. They both agreed that while neither one would give up their careers they would both be there for their child. Business trips may be inevitable but they wouldn’t leave their child for months on end to travel all over the world.

“When do you want to tell the Bob-Whites?” Hallie asked.

“I really think we should wait awhile. You can’t be that far along. Let’s wait at least until after you see your doctor,” Dan replied.

“I agree. I remember when Trixie was pregnant with Matt. She told everyone right away. Then it seemed like she was pregnant forever. Next week’s going to be a rough week anyway. I just want to savor this with you for awhile.”

The remainder of the weekend Dan and Hallie spent just enjoying themselves. They checked out some local attractions and spent many hours discussing the dreams they had. At one point they did discuss both their jobs. With a baby on the way, Dan didn’t feel comfortable just leaving the job he had come to hate. Hallie reminded him that they had enough money in their savings and from her job that they could survive if things didn’t improve at the department. In the end they decided that Dan would remain at the department for the time being. They knew they did not want to relocate. They wanted their child to grow up surrounded by their loving families.

Late Sunday afternoon Hallie and Dan checked out of the bed and breakfast and headed back to Sleepyside. Both of them felt rested and ready to face anything that was thrown their way. When they walked into their house, the phone was ringing. Before he picked the phone up he checked the caller I.D. It was the police department.

“Damn,” said Dan. “They must have this place bugged and know when I walk in the door.”

Dan barely got the phone picked up and hadn’t even gotten a greeting in when the person on the other end of the line said, “Where the hell have you been, Mangan?”

“Nice talking to you too, Captain Molinson,” Dan said sarcastically.

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for the last five hours.”

“I told you I was going out of town and wouldn’t be able to be contacted,” Dan reminded the captain.

“Don’t get lippy with me, Detective,” Molinson replied.

Dan was doing his best to be respectful, but was finding it hard to do so. “Obviously this isn’t a social call. What’s up?”

“There’s been another burglary,” Molinson said. “They hit Robertson’s Auto Body. They’re getting bolder. They made off with about $10,000 worth of tools, as well as some cash.”

“And let me guess. McDaniels was the first one on the scene and over half the evidence has been destroyed,” Dan replied disgustedly.

Molinson paused for a minute. Deep down, he had to know that Dan had every right to be upset with McDaniels, especially since Dan was right again. “Yes,” he finally mumbled.

“So what am I supposed to do? Rush down and try to make it look like the department isn’t a bunch of incompetents?” Dan asked.

“You better be careful, Detective Mangan, if you want to keep your job. ” Molinson warned. “Remember you’re still on probation for your current position.”

Dan swore under his breath. He didn’t like to be threatened and he despised the position that he was being put in. “Captain Molinson, what would you like me to do?” Dan asked again through clenched teeth.

“I want you to get your ass down to the department in fifteen minutes. I want you to show up without a scowl on your face and I want you to do the job you were hired to do and try to figure out who is behind these robberies.”

Dan snapped to attention and said, “Yes, sir. Right away sir.” He resisted the urge to slam the phone in the cradle and instead gently placed it there. Hallie had been listening to Dan’s end of the conversation. She walked up to him and embraced him.

“I take it there’s been another burglary,” she said.

“Yes, and once again McDaniels has destroyed the evidence. It’s a wonder there hasn’t been more of a public outcry.” Dan said.

“Well, you’d better get going if you don’t want to get further on Molinson’s list,” Hallie urged. “I’m can’t believe how tired I am and you did all of the driving.”

Dan was a little concerned. “Are you sure you’re all right, Hallie?”

“I think it’s just part of being pregnant. Don’t you remember how freaked out Jim got when Trixie was pregnant with Matt? He worried about everything and thought she’d caught some sort of exotic bug because Trixie wanted to sleep for about ten hours a day?”

“Well, if that’s the case then why don’t you just head up to bed and rest? I won’t call you unless it’s an emergency.”

Dan grabbed the two overnight bags and walked with Hallie up to their bedroom. Hallie changed into a comfortable nightgown. Dan changed into jeans and black t-shirt. He attached his service revolver and then donned a sport jacket. After quickly kissing his wife good-bye, he headed out the door to his responsibilities.

Not wanting the weekend to end quite yet, Hallie wandered back downstairs. As she walked into the den, she spotted the book that Dan had given her for Valentine’s Day. A smile lit up her face as she remembered how proud Dan had been when he had given it to her. She was still overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness.

Grabbing an afghan that was laying over the back of the sofa, Hallie snuggled under it and re-read her very special book, Guess How Much I Love You? She fell asleep reading the book and didn’t wake up until Dan called her at nine o’clock to wish her sweet dreams. That night she dreamed of her very special Big Nutbrown Hare and Tiny Nutbrown Hare the two of them would be having.


 


back home next

 

Author Notes

I have some great editors. Diana B., Beverly, and Bonnie H. keep me in line. Some days they must wonder how I ever made it through English class. A huge thank you for all you do. All errors are mine.

Smoochies to Mal for all of her help with this website.

There really is a Wallingford Victorian Bed and Breakfast. I’ve never been there. I just searched the internet. It does look like a lovely B&B. Check it out here www.bedandbreakfastwallingford.com/

Guess How Much I Love You? is a great book that Dan altered to make a very special Valentine’s Day gift for Hallie. If you want to find out more about it go back and read Chapter 24.

I am not a doctor and I don’t even play one on T.V. All the information I’ve used regarding the treatment of breast cancer has been from people I’ve known that have had breast cancer and the Mayo Clinic website. www.MayoClinic.com

If you’d like more information about breast cancer including fundraising check out www.komen.org.

“Everyone Deserves a Lifetime” is the motto of the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk.

Mal thanks the awesome Terry for her endless patience in holping with the techy stuff!

Word Count, 4,975

Disclaimer: Trixie Belden® is a registered trademark of Random House books. These pages are not affiliated with Random House Books in any way, shape or form. No profit is made here, only entertainment. Images of Trixie Belden and other series characters are copyright © Random House books. All references and characters and are used lovingly and respectfully, albeit without permission.

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