Chapter Six: Vandals
It had been some time since the two couples had spent an evening together, and leaving Honey and Jim to chat, Brian helped his sister clear the table and followed her into the kitchen. “Shall I wash or dry?” he asked as he stacked the dirty dishes on the sink.
“You wash, that way I can put away as I’m drying.”
Brian soon had his hands in hot soapy water. “Seems like old times, doesn’t it, Trix?”
His sister chuckled, recalling the many, many nights she and her brothers had spent at Crabapple’s Farm’s sink. “I used to feel so put upon,” she said, as she quickly dried plates and stacked them on the table behind her. Her blue eyes twinkled. “You know—poor me, always stuck in the kitchen—a place I was not fond of at the time. But now, I look back and realize you and Mart were probably there almost as often, and after I’d met Honey, you couldn’t keep her of our kitchen without a major battle…I was so much luckier than I realized.”
“I guess we all were,” Brian agreed. “Anyway, it’s pretty natural for teenagers to be a bit self-absorbed.”
“You never were,” Trixie said, quite seriously. “You hardly ever complained, which in itself used to annoy me.”
“Sorry.” Brian grinned at her, knowing she didn’t really mean it.
“It wasn’t that easy having such a virtuous older brother.” She saw that old familiar flush that stole across Brian’s face when he was praised, and she smiled. “Of course, Mart kind of made up for it. He and I vied for most likely to complain about our chores.”
Brian shook his dark head. “Your memory might be failing you, sis. You and Mart did more than your share around the farm and you made a lot less noise about it than you seem to think.”
“I’m so glad you and Honey are back together,” Trixie said, following an old habit of saying exactly what she was thinking without considering if it was appropriate or relevant to the conversation at hand.
“Interesting segue,” her brother said.
“I know it’s been ages now and I know I said it once before, but I was thinking about how unhappy she was when you weren’t together or, not exactly unhappy, but not happy Honey, not herself and…”
“I’m glad too, Trix. And I hate that I made Honey unhappy. If it’s any consolation I’d wager I was even more miserable. I didn’t have the rest of you around. Not that I deserved it.”
“I didn’t mean to pry,” Trixie said. “Even if I do have a reputation for an overdeveloped sense of curiosity.” She grabbed the stack of plates and slid them into the overhead cupboard.
“It’s come in handy on occasion,” Brian conceded. “And on that note, Trix, are you really worried that this thing at Honey’s apartment might be someone targeting her specifically?”
Trixie put down the pan she was drying. “Brian, you know me, I put things together is a certain sort of way. I’ve gotten a lot better at focusing and directing my mysteritis, but I still tend to think like that. I don’t like what’s been happening, but at this point in time I’d admit there’s just as likely to be a relatively simple, harmless explanation as a dark, sinister one.”
“But you’ll keep your eyes open?”
“Will do, big brother.” Trixie filled the coffee pot and put it on.
“Good. Now, tell me how you’ve been feeling?”
Trixie rolled her eyes. “I knew you were going to play doctor at some point.”
“Trix,” Brian said, turning to face her. “You do know I am an actual doctor, right?”
“Yes.”
“So, be a good girl and put your big brother and your child’s future uncle’s mind at rest. I know you, and slowing down is not going to be at the top of your to-do list. I also know, before you say anything, that being pregnant is completely natural and does not necessarily limit a woman’s ability in any way, shape or form. Still, humor me.”
“I knew it would come to this.” Trixie gave a resigned shrug. “Don’t call me a good girl.”
“Fair enough, you splendid woman. Now, spill!”
“Should I start with the morning sickness or the gas or maybe what I suspect is a hemorrhoid?”
If she’d hoped to put him off, she was destined to be disappointed. “They all sound fascinating,” Brian’s dark eyes gleamed. “Now, spill.”
A short while later, as they were sitting nursing decaf coffee and eating the carrot cake that followed their meal, Brian leaned back against the sofa and sighed happily. “In case I forgot to tell you earlier, that stroganoff was magnificent, sis. You have not lost your touch.”
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“And this place…is terrific,” he complimented as he waved his hand at the rolling green lawn that covered the grounds surrounding the house. The night was just starting to draw in and in the distance he could see the lights of his old home. “I hope Honey and I can have something like this one day.”
“Me too,” Honey said. “I’d love a house like this or Crabapple Farm and here in Sleepyside— my favorite place in the world.”
Trixie smiled at her friend, knowing she meant what she said. Honey had visited a lot of places in the United States and a number outside of her birth country, and had lived in luxury her whole life, but none of those places had ever measured up to Sleepyside in her mind.
“Though I know it can’t happen for a long time, and Brian may end up in a hospital out of state,” Honey added quickly, with a look in Brian’s direction. While it was true that her parents would happily buy a home for her anywhere she chose, Honey had learned to appreciate working for things and Brian was renowned for his independent spirit.
“Who knows?” Brian said. “We’ll have to start out in the apartment, but a house, a small one, in the next few years isn’t out of the question. And I’m pretty sure I can get a job somewhere within an hour’s commute from here. I am back to stay, Miss Wheeler.”
“Wait, wait,” Trixie said. “Does that mean you’ve made the decision to live with Honey at the apartment when you start at White Plains?”
“I guess so, if she’ll have me.” Brian tilted his head in Honey’s direction. “She has offered.”
“You know how much I want that.” Honey reached for his hand.
“Yippee, we’ll be able to do this all the time,” Trixie said gleefully as she clapped her hands.
“We-ll,” her brother said, knowing that was unlikely, given the rosters at any public hospital.
“Sure, I know, you’re a doctor, blah-blah, crazy schedule, blah-blah. At least you’ll be a lot closer than you have been.”
“That is very definitely true,” Brian agreed.
“So,” Jim poured more coffee and looked from his wife to his sister. “What’s new and exciting in the investigation world?”
“We would tell you,” Honey said with a glance in Trixie’s direction. “But…”
“But then we’d have to kill you,” Trixie finished. “And who’d do the rest of the dishes?”
It was a little after eleven when Honey and Brian returned to the apartment and while she changed into her robe, Brian made herbal tea.
“Do you really think you’d be happy living here?” Honey asked as she curled up next to him on the sofa.
“I know I would. A better question might be—will you be happy sharing this space on a full-time basis? You’re used to having it to yourself, and I will be coming and going at odd hours. I know my Honey is usually an in-bed-by-eleven-up-by-seven-thirty sort of gal.”
“Sharing this space and having my routine interrupted is a very small price to pay for having you here with me. Besides, your place in Chicago is a lot smaller than this apartment.”
“My place in Chicago is basically a large closet with a sink and a shower,” Brian agreed with a rueful laugh.
“See, we have all of this and two bedrooms. Admittedly, the second bedroom is a little on the small side, but it will make a great den for you.”
“It’s your only guest space,” Brian said. “I can’t commandeer it.”
“Our guest space and we’ll pick up a sofa bed—a nice, comfy one. The chest and side table in there already hold the spare bed linen. Once we add a desk and an extra bookcase, it will be just fine.”
“Sounds like you’ve given this some thought.”
“I might have. I figure if we have the spare room set up as a den, you can use it if you have to go over patient notes, or whatever doctory things you do, and I can use it to review case notes or client files.”
“Or whatever detectivy things you do,” Brian teased. “By the way,” he added, “do you know a guy, about my height and build and coloring, thinks he owns the world, drives a Mercedes?”
“Why?” Honey had little trouble recognizing Evan Chambers from Brian’s description.
“He was here when I left this morning and saw me talking to your friend Brett. He said something about giving his best to you—but in a smarmy way.”
“It sounds like Evan Chambers, the guy I dated a couple of times.”
“Then I’m with Trix on this guy,” Brian said, recalling his sister’s comment on the night of Diana’s party.
“Well, I don’t know why he’d be here,” Honey said.
“Probably not important.”
They finished their tea and Brian grabbed their mugs and took them through to the kitchen to wash. “Are you ready for bed or did you want to stay up, watch a movie or something?”
“No. I am definitely ready for bed.”
“Fine, I’ll…” Brian turned around to see his girlfriend standing before him, her robe lying in a pool of fabric at her feet. Without it she was naked. A slow smile spread across his handsome face. “I’ll do whatever I was about to say some other time. I think I’m ready for bed too.”
Brian shifted in the bed, wrapping his arms around the warm body next to his. He pressed his head against hers and his eyes remained closed as he inhaled her scent. Before long, this would be normal; this would be his life. There would still be crazy hours and long shifts, horrendous injuries and tragic illnesses, but at the end of it all would be Honey. The object of his thoughts and affections stirred in his arms and he opened his eyes. She was smiling up at him.
“Morning,” she said.
“Morning. Did you sleep okay?”
“Truly, wonderfully, deeply. You do have a way with you, you know.”
“We’re back to the sleep inducing thing, huh?”
“It’s how you relax me before sleep that really works wonders.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
Honey sighed contentedly. “I wonder if we’ll have this much sex when you’re here all the time?”
Brian laughed. “Maybe not quite as much as we’ve had in the past twenty-four hours, but I think I can guarantee there won’t be a lack of sex.”
It was Honey’s turn to laugh. “I can’t believe I said that aloud.”
“Want some breakfast?”
“Yes, please.”
They sat at the small beech wood table in the living area, eating toast and cereal. The sun shone through the open drapes, making the room feel bright and warm.
“You have to go back to Chicago today,” Honey said, making a face.
“Not for hours and not for long, so give me a smile.”
Honey smiled dutifully. “What would you like to do this morning, Doctor Belden? We’re having lunch at Di and Mart’s at one, but we’re free until then.”
“Would I be living up to my boring Brian reputation if I just wanted to hang out here with you? Maybe go for a walk?”
“You know me. I love just hanging out. And you, Brian Belden, are never, ever, ever, boring.” She used the pause between each word to drop kisses on various parts of his face.
At that moment his cell rang. “Brian Belden—oh, hi, Trix. What? No, she’s right here. Why? Hold on, Trix, Honey wants to talk to you.” He passed his phone to Honey.
“Trixie, what is it, what’s wrong?”
A minute later, she ended the call and rushed to her purse, which was on the floor beside the sofa. “Damn,” she said. “I forgot to turn the sound on my phone back on. I switched it off when we went to Trixie and Jim’s last night.”
“What’s happened?”
“Trixie and Jim are down at the office. Apparently someone’s thrown a brick through our window. I’m first call on the security company’s list, but when they couldn’t get me they called Trixie. That was almost an hour ago.”
“Come on, let’s get dressed and get over there,” Brian said, grabbing their dishes.
“Trix said we didn’t need to come. She and Jim can handle it.”
“Is that what you want?”
“No.” Honey shook her head.
“Then get moving. I’ll ring Trixie back and let her know we’re on the way.”
Twenty minutes later, they were standing inside Belden-Wheeler Investigations, surveying the damage.
“You really didn’t have to come,” Trixie said. “The only reason I rang Brian’s phone was to make sure you were okay. I got worried when you didn’t return my calls.”
“Trix, I’m so sorry.” Honey enveloped her friend in a hug. “I forgot to switch the sound back on when I got home last night. I know you need your rest at the moment. You should never have had to deal with this.”
Trixie gave her friend a mock glare, but nudged her husband. “Can you please tell your sister that I am not a frail little creature, and she can stop thinking she has to take care of everything?”
“I think I can safely say she got the message,” Jim said easily, with an affectionate smile for both women.
Brian walked across the foyer, where broken glass covered the tiled floor. “When can we clean this up?”
“I promised Dan we wouldn’t touch anything until they got here,” Trixie said.
“Dan Mangan handles bricks through windows now?” Brian teased.
“He handles bricks through our windows,” Trixie said knowingly. “Oh, good, here he is.”
Dan had a uniformed officer with him and, after the greeting the others, drew Trixie and Honey aside. Jim motioned Brian towards the front door. “You want to go grab a coffee?”
Brian frowned as if he was about to refuse but then, seeing the way Dan was talking to his girlfriend and sister, nodded and followed his best friend out of the office.
“It took me ages to just let them get on with it when stuff happened,” Jim said as the two grabbed stools at the counter of the coffee shop at the end of the strip.
“I keep forgetting how long they’ve been taking care of themselves,” Brian admitted. “I’ve been away for such a long time, and when Honey and I were apart…” He trailed off.
“The truth is it’s hard to stop playing the big, overprotective brother/friend,” Jim said. “You and I both had way too much practice at it—especially you.”
Their coffees arrived and Brian took a sip before turning to look at his friend. “It’s so difficult to stop being ‘the big brother’ or the ‘oldest’. I think my identity is tied into those things.”
“Pretty strange if it wasn’t.”
“How do you do it? Don’t take this the wrong way, but Trixie is far more…assertive about her independence than Honey, and you are…”
Jim’s red brows lifted.
“Fairly strong minded,” Brian finished.
“Very diplomatic. You must be taking lessons from Honey.”
“Every chance I get,” Brian said. “I learned the hard way that she’s a lot smarter about people than I am. I hope I never just ride rough-shod over her opinions or think she can’t handle pretty much anything. But I still want to protect her.”
“I don’t think she minds that, and honestly, Brian, Trixie doesn’t mind it either, not really. She just wants me to offer my help and advice not force it on her.”
“That sounds very reasonable and mature.”
“I think, in their own way, Trix and Honey have always been those things, but like the rest of us it took a while for them to be articulate enough or confident enough to express their feelings.”
“You guys are really good together, you know. You’re going to make great parents.”
“I hope so,” Jim said fervently. “It’s the most important job we’ll ever have.”
“Mart and Di seem to be doing a great job, too,” Brian said, sounding almost wistful.
“You guys will get your chance when the time is right. I mean, I know you’re not even engaged yet, but let’s face it we’re all still young. There’s loads of time.”
I just don’t want to be in the position of starting a family until I know I can be a hands-on father or put a decent roof over my family’s head.”
Jim didn’t comment and Brian smiled ruefully. “That was still overprotective, oldest guy speaking, wasn’t it?”
“Maybe. He’s an okay guy, though.”
Brian thought about the small box buried in his bureau back in Chicago. Maybe it was time he and Honey formalized their relationship. They’d discussed the need for him to complete his studies when they’d reconciled, but that was over a year ago. Everyone knew they were together for good this time; that they wanted to build a life for a joint future. But he loved her and knew that a proposal would not lock him into an instant wedding. What was holding him back?
“How long does it take to get used to the idea of Trix and Honey handling problems like this without out help, interference.”
Jim grinned and raised his coffee cup in a gesture of salute. “I’ll let you know when I’ve figured it out.”
*
“So, looks like you guys are the only ones targeted this time,” Dan said as his colleague took photos and then set aside the camera to dust for prints. If he was puzzled by this much attention being given to what seemed to amount to an act of vandalism, he was either too smart or too well trained to say anything.
“Surely this is just some kid acting out,” Honey said, but even she could hear the pleading note in her voice.
“I’m not ruling that out, Honey,” Dan returned. “But coupled with the door knocking and the hang ups and the attempted break-in a couple of weeks ago, I’m not writing it off. I want everything recorded and written up in case there is more to it.”
“But there hasn’t been any trouble at the apartment the past two nights and that ties in with what my neighbor said about a visiting teenager.”
“Trix told me about that.”
Trixie nodded. “Look, I can see that this could be just a random thing, but we’ve had a few of those lately and I have a bad feeling that there is more to it.”
“I might stop by the apartment today,” Dan said. “At least it’s the weekend—I might be more likely to catch people at home. I’ll ask a few questions, get some confirmation or maybe a description or a name on the teenager.”
“I think that’s the best thing to do,” Trixie said.
“And I can see there’s no point arguing with either one of you,” Honey sighed.
“Thanks, Ted,” Dan said when the young officer indicated he’d finished his work and bagged the offending brick.
“I’ll get onto a glass company,” Honey said. “We can’t leave it like this.”
“If they can’t get out straight away, let me know,” Dan said. “Jim, Brian and I could board this up in no time. At least you’d be secure.”
“They are useful, aren’t they?” Trixie said with a grin for their friend.
“Sometimes,” Honey agreed teasingly.
A quick phone call from Honey to a glass repair shop established someone would be out to measure for the replacement and make the place secure within the hour. She insisted that she and Brian would wait while Trixie, Jim and Dan went on home. That settled, they agreed to meet up at Di and Mart’s at lunchtime.
*
Diana had organized for their lunch to be served outside. For July, it was a surprisingly mild day. Warm but with a few clouds flitting cross the sky and a light breeze that shifted and stirred the air. The focal point of the patio was the large glass outdoor table, which was surrounded by comfortably padded outdoor chairs. There were two pairs of chaise longues arranged at angles on the edge of the terrace with a view of the Hudson in the distance. The Bob-Whites were all gathered when Honey and Brian, the last to arrive, were just in time to hug and kiss Drew before he was put down for his nap.
“I swear that boy sleeps a lot,” Dan complained. “I hardly ever get time with him.”
“You?” Brian shook his dark head before reluctantly surrendering the child to his mother. “That is one thing right near the top of my move back home and enjoy list—more time with my nephew.”
Diana laughed at them both. “You two are welcome any time day or night. Believe me, he’s awake a lot, isn’t he, Mart?”
The proud father nodded his head. “A lot, a lot. But we don’t mind, do we, buddy?” He ruffled Drew’s hair, and the Bob-Whites all waved as Diana carried her son inside.
When she returned, she brought their lunch out to the terrace. There was a mountain of sandwiches with a variety of fillings, cut-up vegetables with dip and a tray of spicy chicken wings.
“This is great, Di,” Dan said as he loaded up his plate.
“My compliments to the chef,” Jim added as he bit into a chicken wing.
“It didn’t involve much cooking,” Diana said. “But I’ll accept your compliment gracefully.” While the Lynch mansion proper still boasted a range of help, Di and Mart preferred to keep things more casual, generally doing most of their own domestic chores. Having staff on hand was convenient though, both admitted, especially when planning a large party or after an illness.
“I’m wondering if there’s any possibility of dessert with this lunch,” Trixie asked as she added another tuna fish sandwich to her plate.
“Trixie,” Honey laughed. “We’ve barely started eating and you’re talking about dessert.”
“One,” Trixie said waving her finger at her best friend. “I am with child and entitled to food related quirks, and two, unlike you, I have a sweet tooth. If there was a tray of strange smelling cheeses and pates waiting out back would you not be looking for them?”
“Good point,” Honey said. “Though I like the smell of my cheeses.”
“To answer your question, Trix,” Di said, violet eyes amused, “there may be a chocolate fudge cake waiting around somewhere.”
“Yay!” Trixie said.
“Double yay!” Brian added. “It’s been ages since I’ve had one of Di’s scrumptious specials.”
“Probably not in hospital vending machines,” Mart quipped.
“Plus, his horrible girlfriend almost never remembers to make dessert when she makes dinner,” Honey added. “I really love cooking now, but I just can’t seem to master baking. Di’s cakes could be sold in shops and Trixie’s lemon meringue pie rivals her mom’s. Mine just sort of fall and sink.”
“They still taste good,” Brian said loyally. “Anyway, apart from my weakness for Di’s fudge cake, I’m more of a savory guy.”
“I’ll take savory, sweet, anything I can get. You guys don’t know how lucky you are,” Dan said with a sigh, reaching for a chicken sandwich.
“Yes, we do,” the remaining Bob-White men chorused, and they all laughed.
“Besides, Jim and I take turns cooking, don’t we?” Trixie looked up at her husband who sat beside her on the comfortable outdoor sofa.
“Yes, we do. I have a very hard-working wife and it’s only fair we share the domestic load.”
“Jim makes the best chicken-fried steak,” Trixie said.
“And Brian’s tuna noodle casserole is perfect.” Honey smiled at her man.
“You know, one day we will have a Bob-White get together where the inestimable virtues of our two oldest members are not extolled,” Mart said to no one in particular.
Trixie and Honey exchanged looks and then chorused as one, “Don’t count on it.”
Mart rolled his eyes. “Back me up here,” he said to Dan. “You and I are not exactly chopped liver.”
“No-one ever said anything like that.” Honey leaned over and gave him a light slap.
“Yeah,” Trixie said. “I don’t even like liver and I do like you and Dan, so that comment makes no sense at all.”
“Can I suggest something?” Diana asked. “That we all agree that all of the men here have many wonderful, outstanding qualities and we appreciate them enormously.”
“I think that sounds like a fine idea. I’m supposed to be the tactful one, I should have thought of that,” Honey said with a laugh.
“You might have other things on your mind under the circumstances,” Diana said. “Now, fill us in. Trixie told us someone had thrown a brick through your window. Do you think it’s connected to the door-knocking thing? And what are you going to do about it?”
MPD:MAIN NEXT
Word Count: 3465
Author's Notes: Dana keeps on giving great advice as she works her way through my mishaps . Any that still appear are down to me. Trixie Belden et al belong to Random House, not to me. No profit is being made from these scribblings.
“You wash, that way I can put away as I’m drying.”
Brian soon had his hands in hot soapy water. “Seems like old times, doesn’t it, Trix?”
His sister chuckled, recalling the many, many nights she and her brothers had spent at Crabapple’s Farm’s sink. “I used to feel so put upon,” she said, as she quickly dried plates and stacked them on the table behind her. Her blue eyes twinkled. “You know—poor me, always stuck in the kitchen—a place I was not fond of at the time. But now, I look back and realize you and Mart were probably there almost as often, and after I’d met Honey, you couldn’t keep her of our kitchen without a major battle…I was so much luckier than I realized.”
“I guess we all were,” Brian agreed. “Anyway, it’s pretty natural for teenagers to be a bit self-absorbed.”
“You never were,” Trixie said, quite seriously. “You hardly ever complained, which in itself used to annoy me.”
“Sorry.” Brian grinned at her, knowing she didn’t really mean it.
“It wasn’t that easy having such a virtuous older brother.” She saw that old familiar flush that stole across Brian’s face when he was praised, and she smiled. “Of course, Mart kind of made up for it. He and I vied for most likely to complain about our chores.”
Brian shook his dark head. “Your memory might be failing you, sis. You and Mart did more than your share around the farm and you made a lot less noise about it than you seem to think.”
“I’m so glad you and Honey are back together,” Trixie said, following an old habit of saying exactly what she was thinking without considering if it was appropriate or relevant to the conversation at hand.
“Interesting segue,” her brother said.
“I know it’s been ages now and I know I said it once before, but I was thinking about how unhappy she was when you weren’t together or, not exactly unhappy, but not happy Honey, not herself and…”
“I’m glad too, Trix. And I hate that I made Honey unhappy. If it’s any consolation I’d wager I was even more miserable. I didn’t have the rest of you around. Not that I deserved it.”
“I didn’t mean to pry,” Trixie said. “Even if I do have a reputation for an overdeveloped sense of curiosity.” She grabbed the stack of plates and slid them into the overhead cupboard.
“It’s come in handy on occasion,” Brian conceded. “And on that note, Trix, are you really worried that this thing at Honey’s apartment might be someone targeting her specifically?”
Trixie put down the pan she was drying. “Brian, you know me, I put things together is a certain sort of way. I’ve gotten a lot better at focusing and directing my mysteritis, but I still tend to think like that. I don’t like what’s been happening, but at this point in time I’d admit there’s just as likely to be a relatively simple, harmless explanation as a dark, sinister one.”
“But you’ll keep your eyes open?”
“Will do, big brother.” Trixie filled the coffee pot and put it on.
“Good. Now, tell me how you’ve been feeling?”
Trixie rolled her eyes. “I knew you were going to play doctor at some point.”
“Trix,” Brian said, turning to face her. “You do know I am an actual doctor, right?”
“Yes.”
“So, be a good girl and put your big brother and your child’s future uncle’s mind at rest. I know you, and slowing down is not going to be at the top of your to-do list. I also know, before you say anything, that being pregnant is completely natural and does not necessarily limit a woman’s ability in any way, shape or form. Still, humor me.”
“I knew it would come to this.” Trixie gave a resigned shrug. “Don’t call me a good girl.”
“Fair enough, you splendid woman. Now, spill!”
“Should I start with the morning sickness or the gas or maybe what I suspect is a hemorrhoid?”
If she’d hoped to put him off, she was destined to be disappointed. “They all sound fascinating,” Brian’s dark eyes gleamed. “Now, spill.”
A short while later, as they were sitting nursing decaf coffee and eating the carrot cake that followed their meal, Brian leaned back against the sofa and sighed happily. “In case I forgot to tell you earlier, that stroganoff was magnificent, sis. You have not lost your touch.”
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“And this place…is terrific,” he complimented as he waved his hand at the rolling green lawn that covered the grounds surrounding the house. The night was just starting to draw in and in the distance he could see the lights of his old home. “I hope Honey and I can have something like this one day.”
“Me too,” Honey said. “I’d love a house like this or Crabapple Farm and here in Sleepyside— my favorite place in the world.”
Trixie smiled at her friend, knowing she meant what she said. Honey had visited a lot of places in the United States and a number outside of her birth country, and had lived in luxury her whole life, but none of those places had ever measured up to Sleepyside in her mind.
“Though I know it can’t happen for a long time, and Brian may end up in a hospital out of state,” Honey added quickly, with a look in Brian’s direction. While it was true that her parents would happily buy a home for her anywhere she chose, Honey had learned to appreciate working for things and Brian was renowned for his independent spirit.
“Who knows?” Brian said. “We’ll have to start out in the apartment, but a house, a small one, in the next few years isn’t out of the question. And I’m pretty sure I can get a job somewhere within an hour’s commute from here. I am back to stay, Miss Wheeler.”
“Wait, wait,” Trixie said. “Does that mean you’ve made the decision to live with Honey at the apartment when you start at White Plains?”
“I guess so, if she’ll have me.” Brian tilted his head in Honey’s direction. “She has offered.”
“You know how much I want that.” Honey reached for his hand.
“Yippee, we’ll be able to do this all the time,” Trixie said gleefully as she clapped her hands.
“We-ll,” her brother said, knowing that was unlikely, given the rosters at any public hospital.
“Sure, I know, you’re a doctor, blah-blah, crazy schedule, blah-blah. At least you’ll be a lot closer than you have been.”
“That is very definitely true,” Brian agreed.
“So,” Jim poured more coffee and looked from his wife to his sister. “What’s new and exciting in the investigation world?”
“We would tell you,” Honey said with a glance in Trixie’s direction. “But…”
“But then we’d have to kill you,” Trixie finished. “And who’d do the rest of the dishes?”
It was a little after eleven when Honey and Brian returned to the apartment and while she changed into her robe, Brian made herbal tea.
“Do you really think you’d be happy living here?” Honey asked as she curled up next to him on the sofa.
“I know I would. A better question might be—will you be happy sharing this space on a full-time basis? You’re used to having it to yourself, and I will be coming and going at odd hours. I know my Honey is usually an in-bed-by-eleven-up-by-seven-thirty sort of gal.”
“Sharing this space and having my routine interrupted is a very small price to pay for having you here with me. Besides, your place in Chicago is a lot smaller than this apartment.”
“My place in Chicago is basically a large closet with a sink and a shower,” Brian agreed with a rueful laugh.
“See, we have all of this and two bedrooms. Admittedly, the second bedroom is a little on the small side, but it will make a great den for you.”
“It’s your only guest space,” Brian said. “I can’t commandeer it.”
“Our guest space and we’ll pick up a sofa bed—a nice, comfy one. The chest and side table in there already hold the spare bed linen. Once we add a desk and an extra bookcase, it will be just fine.”
“Sounds like you’ve given this some thought.”
“I might have. I figure if we have the spare room set up as a den, you can use it if you have to go over patient notes, or whatever doctory things you do, and I can use it to review case notes or client files.”
“Or whatever detectivy things you do,” Brian teased. “By the way,” he added, “do you know a guy, about my height and build and coloring, thinks he owns the world, drives a Mercedes?”
“Why?” Honey had little trouble recognizing Evan Chambers from Brian’s description.
“He was here when I left this morning and saw me talking to your friend Brett. He said something about giving his best to you—but in a smarmy way.”
“It sounds like Evan Chambers, the guy I dated a couple of times.”
“Then I’m with Trix on this guy,” Brian said, recalling his sister’s comment on the night of Diana’s party.
“Well, I don’t know why he’d be here,” Honey said.
“Probably not important.”
They finished their tea and Brian grabbed their mugs and took them through to the kitchen to wash. “Are you ready for bed or did you want to stay up, watch a movie or something?”
“No. I am definitely ready for bed.”
“Fine, I’ll…” Brian turned around to see his girlfriend standing before him, her robe lying in a pool of fabric at her feet. Without it she was naked. A slow smile spread across his handsome face. “I’ll do whatever I was about to say some other time. I think I’m ready for bed too.”
Brian shifted in the bed, wrapping his arms around the warm body next to his. He pressed his head against hers and his eyes remained closed as he inhaled her scent. Before long, this would be normal; this would be his life. There would still be crazy hours and long shifts, horrendous injuries and tragic illnesses, but at the end of it all would be Honey. The object of his thoughts and affections stirred in his arms and he opened his eyes. She was smiling up at him.
“Morning,” she said.
“Morning. Did you sleep okay?”
“Truly, wonderfully, deeply. You do have a way with you, you know.”
“We’re back to the sleep inducing thing, huh?”
“It’s how you relax me before sleep that really works wonders.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
Honey sighed contentedly. “I wonder if we’ll have this much sex when you’re here all the time?”
Brian laughed. “Maybe not quite as much as we’ve had in the past twenty-four hours, but I think I can guarantee there won’t be a lack of sex.”
It was Honey’s turn to laugh. “I can’t believe I said that aloud.”
“Want some breakfast?”
“Yes, please.”
They sat at the small beech wood table in the living area, eating toast and cereal. The sun shone through the open drapes, making the room feel bright and warm.
“You have to go back to Chicago today,” Honey said, making a face.
“Not for hours and not for long, so give me a smile.”
Honey smiled dutifully. “What would you like to do this morning, Doctor Belden? We’re having lunch at Di and Mart’s at one, but we’re free until then.”
“Would I be living up to my boring Brian reputation if I just wanted to hang out here with you? Maybe go for a walk?”
“You know me. I love just hanging out. And you, Brian Belden, are never, ever, ever, boring.” She used the pause between each word to drop kisses on various parts of his face.
At that moment his cell rang. “Brian Belden—oh, hi, Trix. What? No, she’s right here. Why? Hold on, Trix, Honey wants to talk to you.” He passed his phone to Honey.
“Trixie, what is it, what’s wrong?”
A minute later, she ended the call and rushed to her purse, which was on the floor beside the sofa. “Damn,” she said. “I forgot to turn the sound on my phone back on. I switched it off when we went to Trixie and Jim’s last night.”
“What’s happened?”
“Trixie and Jim are down at the office. Apparently someone’s thrown a brick through our window. I’m first call on the security company’s list, but when they couldn’t get me they called Trixie. That was almost an hour ago.”
“Come on, let’s get dressed and get over there,” Brian said, grabbing their dishes.
“Trix said we didn’t need to come. She and Jim can handle it.”
“Is that what you want?”
“No.” Honey shook her head.
“Then get moving. I’ll ring Trixie back and let her know we’re on the way.”
Twenty minutes later, they were standing inside Belden-Wheeler Investigations, surveying the damage.
“You really didn’t have to come,” Trixie said. “The only reason I rang Brian’s phone was to make sure you were okay. I got worried when you didn’t return my calls.”
“Trix, I’m so sorry.” Honey enveloped her friend in a hug. “I forgot to switch the sound back on when I got home last night. I know you need your rest at the moment. You should never have had to deal with this.”
Trixie gave her friend a mock glare, but nudged her husband. “Can you please tell your sister that I am not a frail little creature, and she can stop thinking she has to take care of everything?”
“I think I can safely say she got the message,” Jim said easily, with an affectionate smile for both women.
Brian walked across the foyer, where broken glass covered the tiled floor. “When can we clean this up?”
“I promised Dan we wouldn’t touch anything until they got here,” Trixie said.
“Dan Mangan handles bricks through windows now?” Brian teased.
“He handles bricks through our windows,” Trixie said knowingly. “Oh, good, here he is.”
Dan had a uniformed officer with him and, after the greeting the others, drew Trixie and Honey aside. Jim motioned Brian towards the front door. “You want to go grab a coffee?”
Brian frowned as if he was about to refuse but then, seeing the way Dan was talking to his girlfriend and sister, nodded and followed his best friend out of the office.
“It took me ages to just let them get on with it when stuff happened,” Jim said as the two grabbed stools at the counter of the coffee shop at the end of the strip.
“I keep forgetting how long they’ve been taking care of themselves,” Brian admitted. “I’ve been away for such a long time, and when Honey and I were apart…” He trailed off.
“The truth is it’s hard to stop playing the big, overprotective brother/friend,” Jim said. “You and I both had way too much practice at it—especially you.”
Their coffees arrived and Brian took a sip before turning to look at his friend. “It’s so difficult to stop being ‘the big brother’ or the ‘oldest’. I think my identity is tied into those things.”
“Pretty strange if it wasn’t.”
“How do you do it? Don’t take this the wrong way, but Trixie is far more…assertive about her independence than Honey, and you are…”
Jim’s red brows lifted.
“Fairly strong minded,” Brian finished.
“Very diplomatic. You must be taking lessons from Honey.”
“Every chance I get,” Brian said. “I learned the hard way that she’s a lot smarter about people than I am. I hope I never just ride rough-shod over her opinions or think she can’t handle pretty much anything. But I still want to protect her.”
“I don’t think she minds that, and honestly, Brian, Trixie doesn’t mind it either, not really. She just wants me to offer my help and advice not force it on her.”
“That sounds very reasonable and mature.”
“I think, in their own way, Trix and Honey have always been those things, but like the rest of us it took a while for them to be articulate enough or confident enough to express their feelings.”
“You guys are really good together, you know. You’re going to make great parents.”
“I hope so,” Jim said fervently. “It’s the most important job we’ll ever have.”
“Mart and Di seem to be doing a great job, too,” Brian said, sounding almost wistful.
“You guys will get your chance when the time is right. I mean, I know you’re not even engaged yet, but let’s face it we’re all still young. There’s loads of time.”
I just don’t want to be in the position of starting a family until I know I can be a hands-on father or put a decent roof over my family’s head.”
Jim didn’t comment and Brian smiled ruefully. “That was still overprotective, oldest guy speaking, wasn’t it?”
“Maybe. He’s an okay guy, though.”
Brian thought about the small box buried in his bureau back in Chicago. Maybe it was time he and Honey formalized their relationship. They’d discussed the need for him to complete his studies when they’d reconciled, but that was over a year ago. Everyone knew they were together for good this time; that they wanted to build a life for a joint future. But he loved her and knew that a proposal would not lock him into an instant wedding. What was holding him back?
“How long does it take to get used to the idea of Trix and Honey handling problems like this without out help, interference.”
Jim grinned and raised his coffee cup in a gesture of salute. “I’ll let you know when I’ve figured it out.”
*
“So, looks like you guys are the only ones targeted this time,” Dan said as his colleague took photos and then set aside the camera to dust for prints. If he was puzzled by this much attention being given to what seemed to amount to an act of vandalism, he was either too smart or too well trained to say anything.
“Surely this is just some kid acting out,” Honey said, but even she could hear the pleading note in her voice.
“I’m not ruling that out, Honey,” Dan returned. “But coupled with the door knocking and the hang ups and the attempted break-in a couple of weeks ago, I’m not writing it off. I want everything recorded and written up in case there is more to it.”
“But there hasn’t been any trouble at the apartment the past two nights and that ties in with what my neighbor said about a visiting teenager.”
“Trix told me about that.”
Trixie nodded. “Look, I can see that this could be just a random thing, but we’ve had a few of those lately and I have a bad feeling that there is more to it.”
“I might stop by the apartment today,” Dan said. “At least it’s the weekend—I might be more likely to catch people at home. I’ll ask a few questions, get some confirmation or maybe a description or a name on the teenager.”
“I think that’s the best thing to do,” Trixie said.
“And I can see there’s no point arguing with either one of you,” Honey sighed.
“Thanks, Ted,” Dan said when the young officer indicated he’d finished his work and bagged the offending brick.
“I’ll get onto a glass company,” Honey said. “We can’t leave it like this.”
“If they can’t get out straight away, let me know,” Dan said. “Jim, Brian and I could board this up in no time. At least you’d be secure.”
“They are useful, aren’t they?” Trixie said with a grin for their friend.
“Sometimes,” Honey agreed teasingly.
A quick phone call from Honey to a glass repair shop established someone would be out to measure for the replacement and make the place secure within the hour. She insisted that she and Brian would wait while Trixie, Jim and Dan went on home. That settled, they agreed to meet up at Di and Mart’s at lunchtime.
*
Diana had organized for their lunch to be served outside. For July, it was a surprisingly mild day. Warm but with a few clouds flitting cross the sky and a light breeze that shifted and stirred the air. The focal point of the patio was the large glass outdoor table, which was surrounded by comfortably padded outdoor chairs. There were two pairs of chaise longues arranged at angles on the edge of the terrace with a view of the Hudson in the distance. The Bob-Whites were all gathered when Honey and Brian, the last to arrive, were just in time to hug and kiss Drew before he was put down for his nap.
“I swear that boy sleeps a lot,” Dan complained. “I hardly ever get time with him.”
“You?” Brian shook his dark head before reluctantly surrendering the child to his mother. “That is one thing right near the top of my move back home and enjoy list—more time with my nephew.”
Diana laughed at them both. “You two are welcome any time day or night. Believe me, he’s awake a lot, isn’t he, Mart?”
The proud father nodded his head. “A lot, a lot. But we don’t mind, do we, buddy?” He ruffled Drew’s hair, and the Bob-Whites all waved as Diana carried her son inside.
When she returned, she brought their lunch out to the terrace. There was a mountain of sandwiches with a variety of fillings, cut-up vegetables with dip and a tray of spicy chicken wings.
“This is great, Di,” Dan said as he loaded up his plate.
“My compliments to the chef,” Jim added as he bit into a chicken wing.
“It didn’t involve much cooking,” Diana said. “But I’ll accept your compliment gracefully.” While the Lynch mansion proper still boasted a range of help, Di and Mart preferred to keep things more casual, generally doing most of their own domestic chores. Having staff on hand was convenient though, both admitted, especially when planning a large party or after an illness.
“I’m wondering if there’s any possibility of dessert with this lunch,” Trixie asked as she added another tuna fish sandwich to her plate.
“Trixie,” Honey laughed. “We’ve barely started eating and you’re talking about dessert.”
“One,” Trixie said waving her finger at her best friend. “I am with child and entitled to food related quirks, and two, unlike you, I have a sweet tooth. If there was a tray of strange smelling cheeses and pates waiting out back would you not be looking for them?”
“Good point,” Honey said. “Though I like the smell of my cheeses.”
“To answer your question, Trix,” Di said, violet eyes amused, “there may be a chocolate fudge cake waiting around somewhere.”
“Yay!” Trixie said.
“Double yay!” Brian added. “It’s been ages since I’ve had one of Di’s scrumptious specials.”
“Probably not in hospital vending machines,” Mart quipped.
“Plus, his horrible girlfriend almost never remembers to make dessert when she makes dinner,” Honey added. “I really love cooking now, but I just can’t seem to master baking. Di’s cakes could be sold in shops and Trixie’s lemon meringue pie rivals her mom’s. Mine just sort of fall and sink.”
“They still taste good,” Brian said loyally. “Anyway, apart from my weakness for Di’s fudge cake, I’m more of a savory guy.”
“I’ll take savory, sweet, anything I can get. You guys don’t know how lucky you are,” Dan said with a sigh, reaching for a chicken sandwich.
“Yes, we do,” the remaining Bob-White men chorused, and they all laughed.
“Besides, Jim and I take turns cooking, don’t we?” Trixie looked up at her husband who sat beside her on the comfortable outdoor sofa.
“Yes, we do. I have a very hard-working wife and it’s only fair we share the domestic load.”
“Jim makes the best chicken-fried steak,” Trixie said.
“And Brian’s tuna noodle casserole is perfect.” Honey smiled at her man.
“You know, one day we will have a Bob-White get together where the inestimable virtues of our two oldest members are not extolled,” Mart said to no one in particular.
Trixie and Honey exchanged looks and then chorused as one, “Don’t count on it.”
Mart rolled his eyes. “Back me up here,” he said to Dan. “You and I are not exactly chopped liver.”
“No-one ever said anything like that.” Honey leaned over and gave him a light slap.
“Yeah,” Trixie said. “I don’t even like liver and I do like you and Dan, so that comment makes no sense at all.”
“Can I suggest something?” Diana asked. “That we all agree that all of the men here have many wonderful, outstanding qualities and we appreciate them enormously.”
“I think that sounds like a fine idea. I’m supposed to be the tactful one, I should have thought of that,” Honey said with a laugh.
“You might have other things on your mind under the circumstances,” Diana said. “Now, fill us in. Trixie told us someone had thrown a brick through your window. Do you think it’s connected to the door-knocking thing? And what are you going to do about it?”
MPD:MAIN NEXT
Word Count: 3465
Author's Notes: Dana keeps on giving great advice as she works her way through my mishaps . Any that still appear are down to me. Trixie Belden et al belong to Random House, not to me. No profit is being made from these scribblings.
