Chapter 1

Monday, June 8, 1987

Trixie stood outside on the terrace, pacing back and forth, waiting for Honey to arrive in the B.W.G. station wagon. It was her first day at her job with the Sleepyside Public Library and she didn’t want to be late. Even though she had stayed up late visiting with her cousins, Cap and Knut, she still woke up well before the sun.

Cap and Knut were heading back to Idaho later this morning, but their sister, Hallie would be spending the summer in Sleepyside. Trixie didn’t mind. Ever since her cousin had begun dating Dan, she’d worked on becoming friends with her. At first it had been a struggle, but soon she realized that she really did like Hallie. They still had their moments but not any more than she had her moments with Mart.

One thing that helped was that now when Hallie visited she usually stayed in the guest room. That gave each girl some needed privacy. When they wanted to have a giggle and gab fest, they’d have a slumber party in Trixie’s room.

It had been a busy weekend, with Dan and Mart’s graduation and party taking up Friday and Saturday. In addition to the Belden cousins, Aunt Alicia and Uncle Andrew had helped with the celebration. Despite all of the visitors, the stretchy walls of Crabapple Farm had not reached its breaking point.

Sunday had been a busy day as well. There had been a family dinner after church. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying the company. Trixie was forever thankful that Hallie had taken up knitting. While Aunt Alicia was helping Hallie complete a project, Trixie was able to have a nice conversation with her aunt and not be pressured to do “ladylike” activities.

It had been a lovely day. The only drawback had been that she hadn’t seen Jim since Saturday night. His parents had returned to Sleepyside just in time to attend the graduation party. They had been out of town for almost two weeks and wanted to spend the day with their children.

She and Jim had only recently begun dating again. While she wasn’t so insecure in their relationship that she had to spend every waking moment with him, she was used to seeing him every day. Sometimes it would only be for a few minutes and often times there were others around. Despite everyone starting their summer jobs today, she hoped for the chance to see Jim for more than a few minutes.

Impatiently, she glanced at her watch and realized she still had ten minutes before Honey would pick her up. As she started to plop down into a lawn chair to wait, she noticed Jim’s Mustang convertible pulling into the driveway.

She raced down the steps and pulled open the passenger door before the car had come to a complete stop. Leaning into the car she asked, “What brings you here on this bright sunny morning?”

“Climb in,” Jim said. “I’m your chauffeur today. Honey got called into the pool early today. Something about having to do some mandatory rescue testing at the pool before it opens.” He leaned over and captured Trixie’s lips with his before he continued. “I volunteered to give you a ride.”

A slight blush made its way over Trixie’s cheeks as she smiled in appreciation. “Well, James, since you’re going to be my chauffeur, drive away.”

He turned the car around and headed onto Glen Road. When he was headed into town he reached over the stick shift and grabbed Trixie’s hand, gently caressing it. As they drove they discussed the events of the past weekend as well as Jim’s plans to tutor for the week.

“I don’t have too many kids lined up right now,” Jim said. “I wanted to wait until after my first class tomorrow. I tried to choose an easy course but you never know what the professor might decide to throw at us.” Jim and Trixie’s brother Brian were taking a summer school class. This, along with heavy class schedules during the school year, would allow them to finish their undergraduate degrees a year early.

They drove in comfortable silence for several minutes. When they arrived at the library, Jim pulled into the parking lot and got out to open Trixie’s door.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Trixie insisted, blushing again. “I’m perfectly capable of opening a door myself.” She accepted the arm Jim had offered as she got out of the car.

“I know you could,” he explained. “But then I wouldn’t be able to do this.” He bent down and placed a warm kiss on her lips. “I love my car but that stick shift sure can get in the way.”

Trixie reached up and put her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss slightly. “I hope you enjoy your adventures with your students,” she said against his lips.

“It will be fine,” he replied. “What time do you get off work?”

She kissed him again before she answered. “I’m supposed to be done at four o’clock. For now I’m working forty hours a week. That might change depending on how things go. The grant should allow me to work almost full time all summer plus between ten and twenty hours a week during the school year.”

It was now Jim’s turn to return the kiss before he spoke. “I hope that you won’t be burning the candle at both ends next year. Physics and pre-calculus are both tough classes.”

“I know,” she said between more kisses. “But I can’t beat the wages they’re paying me. Five dollars and fifty cents an hour will go a long way toward college expenses.”

He placed one last kiss on her sweet lips and reluctantly pulled away. “I’ve got to go,” he said. “I’ll be here at four to pick you up.”

Trixie stood on the sidewalk and waved to Jim as he drove off, not moving until she couldn’t see his car any more. Then she turned and headed into the building.

The first part of the morning was spent with the head librarian going over needed paperwork as well as basic work rules. Later in the week she would be trained in checking out books as well as shelving them. While most of her time would be spent putting bar codes on the books, she would be called upon to help with day-to-day library activities when needed.

After she was done with her orientation, the librarian suggested she spend the next few hours exploring the library to get her more familiar with everything. She suggested the microfilm area where back issues of the Sleepyside Sun were stored.

Trixie went into the microfilm room. She felt kind of guilty getting paid to wander around. She’d been coming to the library all of her life and thought she knew where most things were. It didn’t take long for her to figure out how to work the microfilm. She decided to look up the week she was born. The highlight of the week had been one of the local church youth groups delivering May baskets to shut-ins.

Then she looked up when Mart was born. Nothing exciting had happened that week either. The headline was about high school graduation.

She grabbed another reel and started to scan the articles. Most of them were about local events. However, a late October 1968 article sparked her curiosity. The lead story that week was about the Apollo 7 space mission. The paper had put a local spin on it by interviewing several people on the street. Trixie chuckled as she read some of the familiar names. Mundy, Morgan, Roberts, and Stratton were just a few names she recognized. She read with interest when she spotted a quote by James Winthrop Frayne.

“Sending a man into space, I think is kind of ridiculous. If God would have wanted man to explore space God would have put them there,” read the quote under the picture of Mr. Frayne. Trixie couldn’t help but notice the resemblance between Jim and the man. She knew from her dad that Mr. Frayne’s hair had gone from the ginger red like Jim’s to one interspersed with gray as he grew older.

“I’ll have to make a copy of this to give to Jim. He’ll really like it.” Trixie thought. She pressed the print button on the microfilm and waited for the copy to spit out. Then she continued perusing the newspaper. She read about the Sleepyside Varsity Football team winning the conference championship game against Croton-on-the-Hudson. Senior Andrew Belden had scored the winning touchdown after intercepting Croton’s all-star quarterback Skip Roberts. Trixie wondered if Skip was any relation to Todd and then shook her head to rid her of any thought of that guy.

She chuckled when she read the archives. Under the heading “One Year Ago Today” was a blurb about the birth of a son to Peter and Helen Belden. She’d have to go and find the original story from 1967 when she had more time.

She decided to print that page as well and show it to Honey when she got home. She re-wound the spool of microfilm, shut off the machine and carefully placed the spool back on the shelf where it belonged. As she picked up the two copies she made she glanced at the other stories on the page.

Her eyes stopped when they scanned past the name Lytell on the front page next to the story about Apollo 7. The headline read, “Successful Business Man to Break Ground on a Supermarket in Sleepyside.” The story went on to say that Frank Lytell, from Brisbane, California, represented a company that had recently purchased a ten acre parcel of land on the west side of Sleepyside and would begin construction of an A&P Supermarket the following week. They noted this company owned several stores in California and had plans to open several more in New York over the next eighteen months. Next to the article was a picture of Mr. Lytell. It definitely was the Frank Lytell that Trixie knew, only twenty years younger.

Trixie’s curiosity was in overdrive. She thought of what was located on the west side of town. There were single-family homes, a gas station/convenience store, a couple of apartment buildings and the bowling alley located where the article described the supermarket location. She started to head back to the microfilm machine to see if she could find some more information about the development. She had just returned to the machine when Miss Conlin, the librarian who was heading up the automation project, called to her.

Trixie tried to hide her disappointment as she walked over to Miss Conlin.

“I think we’re ready to start,” she told Trixie. “For now you’ll be working by yourself. In about a week another worker will begin.” Miss Conlin directed Trixie over to the area where she would be working. “It is very important that you are careful and accurate with your work. Accuracy is more important than speed, although we do need to keep the pace up. Next week, when Julie McNalty starts she will double-check your work. Over the course of the summer, you’ll switch jobs so that you don’t get bored. And if you come up with a better idea, don’t be afraid to suggest it.”

For the next hour, Miss Conlin explained the process to Trixie. She would have to place a bar code at the upper right hand corner of the book. The sticker would be covered with heavy-duty clear tape to ensure it wouldn’t fall off the book. The bar code and book were entered into the computer. Once that was complete, the book was scanned to make sure everything was entered correctly.

It didn’t take long for Trixie to get the hang of what she was doing. The work was repetitious and allowed her mind to wander. She kept thinking about Mr. Lytell and wondering what had happened twenty years ago. So many unanswered questions raced through her mind. Where did he get his money to develop so many stores? Why didn’t the A&P get built? Why did Mr. Lytell stay in New York even though he was originally from California?

It took an effort to focus her attention back to the task at hand. She didn’t want to get a black mark against her name the first day.

Before she knew it, lunchtime had arrived. She went to the break room where she had put her lunch in the refrigerator earlier. As she ate her lunch her mind went back to that newspaper article. She wanted to look at some more back issues of the Sleepyside Sun but right now she didn’t have enough time.

The rest of the afternoon went by surprisingly fast. She was surprised how many books she had completed. She was working her way through the Dewey Decimal System and she had a good start on the first section. Before she knew it Miss Conlin was reminding her it quitting time.

As she walked out into the bright sunlight she saw that Jim was already there waiting for her.

“I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” she said as she climbed into the car, leaned over the stick shift and placed a kiss on his lips.

“It hasn’t been long at all. I just finished up with one of the kids at three thirty,” he replied. They rode in comfortable silence as they headed out Glen Road.

“What time are you going into the city tomorrow?” Trixie finally asked.

Jim took his eyes briefly off the road to look at Trixie. “Well, Brian’s class is from nine o’clock to eleven and mine is from ten until noon. We’re going to try and take the seven o’clock train into the city.”

“Will that give you enough time?” Trixie asked.

“Well, I think so. If it gets to be too close we’ll either take an earlier train or go in the night before. That’s one nice thing about keeping our apartment this summer.”

“So you’ll be back into Sleepyside by two o’clock?”

“I’m not sure. I’d like to stay and study at school in the afternoon before we come back. Then I won’t have to worry about it so much when I’m here.”

Suddenly, Trixie remembered her earlier discovery. “You won’t believe what I found today,” she said. “Miss Conlin, the librarian, had to do something before she could show me what I would be doing this summer. She suggested I get familiar with the microfilm machine. I started by looking up issues from the week I was born and then when Mart was born. It was really interesting and kind of funny to read about Uncle Andrew playing football and seeing pictures of some of my friends’ parents. Guess what I found?”

Jim quickly glanced over at her and chuckled. “Well, I have no idea, but I bet it wasn’t that the price of milk was fifty cents a gallon.”

“Well, you’re right there,” she said. “They were interviewing people on the street about the Apollo 7 mission. Guess who they interviewed?”

He shrugged. “Your dad?”

“No,” she said exasperatedly. “It was your great uncle. They quoted him and even had a picture of him. You look a lot like him.”

“Wow,” he exclaimed. “That’s cool. I’ll have to stop by the library one day and look up the story.”

They pulled off Glen Road and onto the driveway leading to Crabapple Farm.

“You won’t have to wait,” Trixie said. “I printed off the article for you. I thought you might like to see it.”

Jim pulled his Mustang up next to the Belden minivan. Once he had it in park, she handed him the article. He just sat and stared at the article. He didn’t say anything for several minutes.

Finally, he quietly said, “Thanks. I don’t have any photos of Uncle James. They all went up in flames with Ten Acres.” He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

They sat in silence for a few more minutes. Then Trixie shook herself and said, “Well, I’d better go. I’m sure Moms could use some help with dinner.” She reached for the door but before she could open it somehow Jim had gotten out and once again opened it for her.

He helped her out of the car and pulled her into his arms for one last embrace. “I’m not sure if I’ll see you tomorrow. If I don’t, I’ll at least try to call you.”

“I hope your class is not too boring,” she said. “I don’t know how you guys are going to survive summer school. I don’t think I could do it.”

“Well, hopefully, it will be worth it. It’s allowing me to finish up my undergraduate degree a year early.”

“I know, I know,” she said. “And I’m proud of both of you.” Just then they heard the kitchen screen door slam. They looked up to see Mart standing there.

“Come on, Squaw,” he said. “Moms says we’re eating in less than five minutes and the table needs to be set. Finish up with the kissy face and come in.” He turned and walked back inside.

The two exchanged one last kiss and then she reluctantly climbed the stairs. Before she headed back inside, she turned one last time to wave to Jim as he drove away.

Trixie practically skipped into the kitchen. She kissed her mother on the cheek and then put away her backpack and purse. “Sorry, I wasn’t here to help with dinner,” she said. “I’ll clean up afterwards.”

“Thanks,” Moms said. “We’ll have to adjust things now that everyone has summer jobs. We’ll work something out. Your brothers are more than capable of helping out in the kitchen. It will do them good. Hallie has been a big help as well.”

Hallie entered the kitchen carrying a full laundry basket. “It looks like dinner is almost ready,” she said. “I’ll finish folding these clothes after supper.”

A couple of years ago, Trixie would have resented Hallie doing what had traditionally been her chores. It didn’t matter that she hated the chores; she would have felt that Hallie was trying to show her up. Today, she just appreciated Hallie’s hard work.

“Thanks for helping with the laundry,” Trixie said. “I’ll help you fold it later.”

Hallie went over to the cupboard to grab some glasses as Trixie placed the plates on the table. “I don’t mind. It makes me truly feel like one of the family. Besides you’re working all day. “

The two girls quickly had the table set and everyone was called to dinner.

The family sat down to dinner and the first few minutes, after saying grace, were spent passing food and everyone telling about their day. Trixie shared the information she had found about Jim’s great uncle. Then she remembered the other article she had found.

“Hey, Dad,” she asked. “Do you remember when Mr. Lytell first came to Sleepyside?”

Her father paused for a few seconds trying to remember what had brought the storeowner to town. “Let me see, I know it was after Brian was born but before you and Mart were born.” He paused in thought for a minute. “He had been working for a major grocery chain and they wanted him to secure a site so they could bring the store to Westchester County. I can’t remember what exactly happened but for some reason all of the sudden the project was scrapped. Mr. Lytell bought the store and began living a much simpler life. For the first few years he had been a recluse. There were townspeople who were rather angry with him for a while. Over time he got to be more active around town. Still there are people who resent him today.”

Trixie put down her fork and said thoughtfully, “I wonder what happened?”

Her father looked her directly in the eye. “I’m sure it is none of your business. If Frank Lytell wanted you to know what had happened, he would have told you. I would just put that information aside and concentrate on your new job.”

Trixie’s eyes dropped to her plate. She supposed her dad was right. It really wasn’t any of her business. Still she couldn’t help wonder why.

 


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Author's Notes

I can’t believe it’s been two years since I became a Jix author. I’ve been struggling with this story for almost 18 months. I wanted to write a mystery but wasn’t sure how to write it. I knew I couldn’t just write and let the story flow. I needed to do a little plotting.

First of all I have to thank Mal, for hosting my stories, doing my graphics and serving as a mentor. I wouldn’t have made it this far without you.

My tried and true editors, Diana B, Beverly, and Bonnie H. have kept me in control of commas and challenged me to write better.

Pam and Jo read through an early draft of the story and gave me lots of encouragement. I’m warning you; don’t assume you know what’s going to happen.

Mary N. and Trish B. took on the task of “ripping the story apart”. I will admit I was very nervous about ever posting this story. There are so many good mystery authors here at Jix and I was VERY intimidated. Their insight, suggestions, and encouragement are what got this story off my hard drive and ready for posting.

The story begins where Of Dogs and Men left off. I can’t believe that it’s been a year since I finished posting that story.

There’s a reason why Mr. Lytell was from Brisbane, California. When I started thinking about writing a mystery, I asked the board who it should be centered around. Janice suggested Mr. Lytell. Since she’s from Brisbane, Australia, I wondered if there was a Brisbane in the United States. Sure enough there was one in California.

Word Count, 3,410

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