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This story takes place two
and a half weeks after the ending of “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”. What happened after Jim proposed? What will Trixie do about her
job? Tune into the nonsensical “Wasted Away Again in Strawberry Pop-Ville” to
find out. Barely Sunday, October 24 Trixie Belden happily snuggled under
the warm blue quilt on her bed. The chilly autumn night in Sleepyside was
quite a contrast to the weather in Los Angeles. Not only was it three hours
earlier in New York, it was also much cooler. However, there was something
comforting about the familiar, albeit cold, weather. The silvery light of the moon shone
brightly through the bedroom window of the apartment she shared with her best
friend, Honey Wheeler. It wasn’t my
imagination. The moon really is
brighter in Sleepyside, she thought, a contented smile on her face. For
the millionth time that evening, she breathed a prayer of thanks that she was
home. Ah… home sweet home. As she’d done every night since her
engagement, Trixie held up her left hand and admired the beautiful engagement
ring that Jim had given her two and a half weeks earlier. She sighed,
mesmerized by how the brilliant diamond twinkled in the moonlight. Of course, she
wondered, maybe I’m sighing because I’m
so happy. I never knew it was possible to feel so warm and fuzzy. She giggled at the thought of her, Beatrix Helen Belden, feeling warm and fuzzy. It wasn’t an emotion
to which she was accustomed. However, since Jim’s proposal, warm and fuzzy
described exactly how she felt.
Honey and Diana certainly weren’t allowing her to enjoy her “lovesick
reveling” without some good-natured ribbing. After years of Trixie’s gagging
and groaning about her friends’ mooning over her brothers, finally she was the one making them gag and groan. And she had no idea how much fun it would
be. If she’d known grossing them out with “TMI” would be so fulfilling, she
would’ve taken matters in her own hands, and proposed to Jim ages ago. Trixie knew she should go to sleep,
but her mind refused to shut down. Those six or seven cans of Strawberry
Blast she’d downed earlier certainly weren’t helping either. She felt the
sucrose coursing through her veins, as well as an unhealthy dose of red dye
49. Even though she’d been up cleaning since 5:00 AM Pacific Standard Time,
she was wide awake. The two and a half weeks following
Jim’s impromptu proposal had been hectic. Once again, she’d had to pack
everything she owned, and this time Honey wasn’t there to help her. Of
course, this time Trixie felt much
more excited about the upcoming move since she would be returning to Jim, rather than running away from him. This excitement helped her
get everything packed in record-setting time.
She’d flown to New York on Saturday, October
23. When her planed landed that afternoon, Jim had been waiting for her in
the terminal of JFK, a large bouquet of white orchids in his hands. He’d
waited as close to the gate as security permitted, and the minute she was
within his reach, he scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around. Jim drove to
Sleepyside, but instead of driving to her apartment, he turned onto Glen
Road. Minutes later, he pulled into the driveway of Crabapple Farm. When she
walked through the front door of her parents’ house, it suddenly became clear
why this was their first stop; her mother had planned a surprise “Welcome
Home” party. The evening passed far too quickly
and, before she knew it, it was time for Jim to drive her to the apartment
she shared with Honey. She’d shyly invited him inside… “Well, maybe
for just a few minutes,” he replied with that lopsided grin that made her
knees wobbly. “Just a few
minutes? Can’t you stay longer than that?” she pleaded, her full lips pooched
in a pout. “I’ll stay
until Honey and Brian get here,” he amended, not being able to resist her
fluttering sandy lashes. “You aren’t
afraid of my big brother, are you?” Trixie asked teasingly, pulling Jim to
the sofa. “Brian’s a pushover, just as long as he hasn’t been eating apple
seeds.” He rolled
his eyes, as he allowed himself to be led to the couch. “I’m not ‘afraid’ of
him,” he muttered, as if that accusation had damaged his manly pride. “I just
want to make a good impression on your family, since I’m going to be part of
it in the very near future.” “Too late
for that,” she giggled. “You ruined that possibility twelve years ago when
you met them for the first time.” She plopped down on the sofa and pulled on
Jim’s arm, inviting him to (or rather, demanding that he) join her. “I’m
sorry to say that your reputation as being honorable, supple and the most
wonderful boy in the world is intact, and you’ll just have to deal with it.” “Well, that
honorable part may have just gone out the window,” he snorted, wrapping his
arm around Trixie’s shoulders. “Brian overheard that I spent the night at
your apartment after I proposed. I don’t think he was too happy.” Trixie gave
a good indignant sniff. “As if I’m concerned about what Brian thinks,” she
dismissed. “If it bothered him, he should’ve asked me about it himself,
instead of jumping to conclusions. I could’ve told him that you slept on the
couch. And besides, I’m twenty-five years old, not some child that he has to
baby-sit.” Jim placed a
calming hand on her knee. “Do you want me to send him to the corner next time
I see him?” “Only if you
give him a big dunce hat to wear,” she said with a pout. “He’s trying
to do better, Trix,” Jim said gently, brushing away a stray curl from her
face. “He can’t change overnight, you know. As a big brother, sometimes it’s
tough watching your little sister grow up, even if she is twenty-five. And,
for the record, I think Brian didn’t say anything because he’s trying not to
interfere.” “I know.”
She snuggled closer to his broad chest and breathed in his tangy pine scent.
“And no matter how big I talk, I really do care what he thinks about me. Part of me is still trying to please
him.” “You should
tell him that,” Jim murmured, placing a kiss on her forehead. “I think it
would help.” Trixie
flashed him a saucy grin. “Of course, another part of me does things just to
annoy him,” she admitted. “When we were kids, sometimes I got into trouble
for the sole purpose of getting his goat. And your goat, too, for that
matter.” “Oh, really,
Miss Belden?” He raised a ginger brow and assumed his strict, school
administrator expression. Trixie nodded,
unable to hide her glee. “Honey and I used to die laughing as we reenacted
the lectures you gave us.” Jim reached
over and pulled her onto his lap. “Glad I could provide some entertainment,”
he commented dryly. “Oh, you
were entertaining,” she giggled. “Don’t tell anyone, but I thought you were
veeeery cute when you spoke to us sternly. The whole time you’d be lecturing
us, I’d be thinking about how handsome and manly and virile you were. And how
much I wanted you to kiss me.” “Really?”
Jim repeated, trying to hide the obvious pride swelling in his chest. “Mmmm-hmmm,”
she murmured. She placed soft kisses along his jaw line. “Sometimes I’d get
into trouble just so I could get some attention from you.” “Nuh-uh!” he
blushed slightly, much to Trixie’s delight. “Uh-huh.”
She leaned closer to him and whispered something in his ear, which made him
blush an even darker shade of red. “Really?”
Jim repeated for the third time. “Really,”
she affirmed in a whisper. He pulled
her closer to him. Almost reverently, Jim laid his palm against her cheek and
gazed at her a moment before drawing her face to his. Their lips met and
parted. Time stood still as their tongues entwined and began a lengthy
exploration of one another. Minutes later, they breathlessly separated. A
mischievous smile curved Trixie’s lips upward. “You aren’t going to fall
asleep on me again, are you?” she asked,. “You’re
never going to let me live that down, are you?” Jim smirked. “On our fiftieth
wedding anniversary, you’ll be telling our grandchildren about how I fell
asleep on the couch a half hour after I proposed to you.” “I’m just
teasing,” she replied, tenderly running her hands through his dark red hair.
“I kind of liked watching you sleep. You looked so peaceful and snuggly.” “Snuggly?
Men don’t look ‘snuggly’.” “Well, you did,” she affirmed. “I watched you for a
long time until I finally went to bed. It took all my strength to restrain
myself from attacking you.” “Maybe I
looked a little snuggly…” he
conceded, solely on the hope he’d tempt her to attack him again. “Very snuggly, Mr. Frayne,” Trixie whispered in
a throaty voice as she traced his lower lip with the tip of her index finger.
“For your information, there’s nothing sexier than a sleeping,
snuggly-looking man.” “Falling
asleep on your couch probably wasn’t the most romantic thing to do after
getting engaged, was it?” he questioned wryly. “Oh, Jim.
You were exhausted. You hadn’t slept for weeks.” She hugged him close in an
attempt to reassure him. “Months,” he
corrected. Suddenly, he tightened the embrace. “The months while you were
away were horrible. I was so afraid that I’d lost you forever, Shamus.” “I tried to
let you know how I felt in the airport before I left for California.” “I know, but
I was just so stupid and afraid,” he admitted. “I knew I had to tell you how
much I loved you, or my heart would literally break. That’s how my mom died,
you know.” Trixie
pulled away slightly and gazed tenderly into his eyes. She cradled his jaw in
her hand. “Is that really how she died? You never told me that before.” Jim nodded,
his green eyes misting over. “Yeah, Mom died from a broken heart because she
missed my father so much. I never really understood why she couldn’t force
herself to move on… for my sake, at least. I suppose I was secretly angry
with her all these years. But when you left and wouldn’t return my calls, I
finally knew exactly how Mom felt. I couldn’t live without you, Trixie, just
like Mom couldn’t live without Dad.” Her heart
ached from the pain she saw in Jim’s face. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered,
tears streaming down her own cheeks. “I’ll never leave you again. You’re
stuck with me forever. In sickness and in health. For richer and for poorer.
For impatience, incurable curiosity, and even the occasional case of severe
PMS.” “Sounds good
to me,” he replied earnestly. He placed his hand under her chin and drew her
lips to his own. Wrapping his arms around her, he gently shifted her closer
to him. Trixie changed positions, preferring to straddle his lap, rather than
sit on it. When the
kiss finally ended, the tip of his tongue traced a path from her earlobe,
down to her throat and finally to her neck. Sighing in ecstasy, Trixie
unbuttoned the top button of Jim’s shirt and began nuzzling the flesh under
his collar. With trembling fingers, she impatiently unbuttoned the next
button. Jim rubbed
her back with his hands. Finally, he pulled the bottom of her T-shirt out of
her jeans and slid his hand underneath. He ran his fingers underneath the
hooks of her bra and… In an incredible twist of irony, a
knock on the bedroom door interrupted her pleasant flashback. “Come in,”
Trixie called, with a rueful grin. That’s the
second time she’s interrupted that scene, she thought wryly. Her make-out session with Jim had
quickly ended at almost the exact same spot as her memory had. Honey and
Brian’s untimely arrival at their apartment earlier that evening had Trixie
frantically tucking her T-shirt back in her jeans and Jim discreetly
adjusting himself. Her tawny-haired
friend opened the door and peeked inside Trixie’s bedroom. “I didn’t wake you
up, did I?” “No, I’m still on
California time. According to my internal clock, it’s not even nine P.M. Come
on inside.” Trixie sat up in bed and turned on the lamp that sat on the nightstand.
“Besides, I’m wired from all those strawberry pops.” Honey happily ran
into the room and jumped on the bed. After giving her friend a joyful hug,
she gushed, “I’m so glad you’re home! I missed you so much while you were
away, Trix. Sleepyside wasn’t the same without you. I was seriously
considering shutting down the agency and following you to LA.” “I’m glad to be
back, too,” Trixie agreed with a smile. “I really liked California, but it
didn’t feel like home. As far as I’m concerned, Sleepyside’s the best place
in the whole world.” “Yes, it is,” Honey
affirmed. “And it’s even better now that you’re back. I think even Mr. Lytell
missed you while you were away.” Trixie nodded, an
impish grin on her face. “Oh, I know
he did. Of course, that’s probably because his store’s profits from
strawberry pop went down 100% while I was in Los Angeles.” “Did he actually
tell you that?” “Yeah, you know Mr.
Lytell,” Trixie replied with a laugh. “I guess that was his way of telling me
that he missed me.” “Or maybe it was
his way of asking you to buy some strawberry pop,” Honey teased. “Of course,
I think your mom bought several cases for the party. She knew you’d be
craving it.” “I sure was. You
just can’t find the particular brand Mr. Lytell carries in California, and
it’s the best.” “Probably because
you’re the only one in the entire United States who likes it,” Honey teased.
“Now that you’re back in town, his strawberry pop profits will go through the
roof.” After sucking in
deeply, Trixie managed a very unladylike belch. “Yummy,” she sighed.
“Strawberry-flavored.” “Gross!” Honey
giggled, grabbing the spare pillow from the bed to shield her face. “How much
of that stuff did you drink?” “Just six or seven
cans,” Trixie answered innocently, amused at Honey’s exaggerated expression
of disgust. “Of course, you’re one to talk. You drink those Red Bulls of
yours like they’re water.” Honey snorted.
“Well, I’ve compared the sucrose percentage, and your Strawberry Blasts have
twice as much sugar as my energy drink.” “Ahhh!” Trixie’s
expression was one of pure satisfaction. “And all that sucrose tastes
heavenly! With this much sugar in me, I’ll be able to giggle and gab for at least another three or four hours.” “But will your
giggling and gabbing be coherent, with you hopped up on fruit-flavored liquid
glucose?” Trixie stuck her
tongue out at her friend. “You sounded exactly like Mart for a minute.” She
smiled thoughtfully. “I didn’t realize how much I missed my family until I
saw them again. Why, I almost cried when my almost-twin called me ‘squaw’.” Honey wiped an
imaginary tear from the corner of her eye, and said with feigned heartfelt
emotion, “Ah yes, that was a touching moment. Almost as touching as when you
had that contest to see who could chug a can of Strawberry Blast the
fastest.” Trixie raised her
arms in triumph. “And let the record show that I’m the winnah!” “Well, Miss
Strawberry Blast, I assume you missed your friends, too,” Honey stated
nonchalantly. “Of course I did!”
Trixie gave her a playful shove. “Gleeps, Honey, there were times in
California that I thought I’d just die from loneliness. The first couple of
weeks were awful. I was so lonely until I met Jack. I never told you, but I
thought a lot about coming home even before Jim proposed, but my pride
wouldn’t let me.” “I’m glad that he did propose and that you are home.” “Not half as glad
as I am! I would’ve just died if
Jim had married Amanda. But all that time, he really loved me,” Trixie
gushed, ignoring Honey’s gagging motion. “Oh Honey! Just like Dorothy said,
there’s no place like home.” “Mother always told
me that she said, ‘There’s no place like Rome,’ ” Honey said with a giggle.
After several minutes, she crossed her arms and assumed a stern expression.
“So, Miss Belden, not to change the subject, but why did it take you so long to come home after your engagement, if you missed us so much?” Trixie shrugged.
“Not many people want to pick up hitchhikers in this day and age.” After
grinning at Honey’s exasperated rolling of her eyes, she explained, “I wanted
to fly home with Jim, but I had to talk to Ralph first. He’d been so nice
that I couldn’t just leave without telling him in person. And then, I worked
a two weeks’ notice and worked to finish up some cases I’d started. But the
entire time, my heart was here.” “I’m surprised Jim
didn’t wait for you. At the party, you two appeared to be connected at the
hip. Believe me, your PDA’s were truly disgusting. A couple of times I
honestly thought I was going to hurl.” “Well, you and
Brian and Di and Mart have several years on us,” Trixie replied defensively.
“We haven’t sickened you nearly as often as you’ve sickened us. We’re going
for the record.” “It probably
wouldn’t be too difficult to catch up to me and Brian, but I doubt you could
ever come close to Mart and Di,” Honey challenged. “I’ve caught you
and Brian in a few clinches through the years, Miss Wheeler,” Trixie reminded
teasingly. Honey merely
nodded. “Yeah, I guess so, but Brian isn’t as… affectionate as Mart. I
suppose it’s because we’ve dated so long…” Trixie snorted.
“Hmph! Mart and Di have dated the longest of any of us, and they’re worse
than a couple of rabbits.” “How long have they
been married now?” “Almost six years,
and they’re still acting like newlyweds,” Trixie shrugged. “They’re
positively disgusting. It must be some sort of mutant Belden gene, because
Moms and Dad are just as bad.” Honey nodded once again, her hazel eyes
slightly wistful. “I suppose Brian didn’t get that gene.” However, Trixie was
in her own little world. She stared out the window as she scratched her chin
thoughtfully. “Was it my imagination, or was Di acting funny tonight?” Her best friend
shrugged her shoulders, as she squirmed around to find a more comfortable
position. “I don’t know. I really haven’t noticed.” “You didn’t think
she was quieter than usual?” Honey chewed on her
bottom lip as she reviewed the events of the past evening. “I suppose so. And
come to think of it, her eyes have
looked a little sad lately. And she has
been moody. You don’t think she and Mart are having problems, do you?” “No,” Trixie stated
positively. “If they were having problems, I’d be able to tell. Mart’s an
easy read. It must be something else.” She looked knowingly at her friend and
with a waggle of her sandy brows, she added, “Maybe the pregger bug’s going
around.” “Trixie!” Honey
managed through her laughter. “That’s horrible!” “Hey, before I
left for LA, Mart said they were going to procreate soon!” “Well, whenever
they do get pregnant, they’ll let us know. It’s not our business.” Trixie grinned.
“Eh, they won’t have to tell me. Give me a month, and I’ll figure it out for
myself.” “Well, if Di is
expecting, give her enough time and everyone
will be able to figure it out for themselves,” Honey pointed out. Trixie made a
face. Honey looked quite
proud of herself that she’d been able to shut Trixie up. “By the way, you
didn’t answer my question.” “Which one?”
Trixie queried with feigned innocence. “You’ve asked about fifty of them.” “Smart aleck,”
Honey muttered. “The question was: Why did Jim leave California? I’m
surprised he didn’t accompany you to the office and watch Jack like a hawk.” Trixie grinned,
knowing her redheaded man’s penchant for jealousy. “He wanted to, but he had
left Sleepyside in such a hurry that he hadn’t made plans for Mart to run the
school. And then I had to work for two weeks... Two very long weeks away from my sweetie…” Honey leaned over
the side of the bed and pretended to retch. She skillfully dodged Trixie’s
foot, which had been aimed for her backside. “How did Ralph take the news?”
she inquired curiously. “Did he get mad?” “No, he was really
nice about the whole thing,” Trixie said. “I have to admit, though, that I
felt nervous when I knocked on his office door…” “Come in,” Ralph Keenan had called. Trixie took a deep breath and opened
the door leading into her boss’ office. “Do you have a minute, boss? I really
need to talk to you, if you have time.” Ralph looked up from the paperwork
he’d been studying. “Ah, just the detective I needed to see. Sit down,
Beatrix. I’d planned on calling you into my office later anyway. You just
saved me a dime.” She nervously smiled and sat down in
the seat across from his desk. “Ralph, I—” “Take a look at this,” Ralph replied,
sliding the folder across his desk to Trixie. Her worries about the upcoming
conversation vanished as she opened the folder. Her curiosity was greater
than any cat’s, and she could not resist peeking inside. She pulled out a
picture and studied it inquisitively. “Who’s this?” she asked, staring at
the photograph of a tall brunette female. “That is someone who has some very valuable information,” Ralph explained
with a grin. “And I need you to track down that someone. It’s very important
that this person is found and the information is received in the near future.
Can I count on your help, Detective Belden?” Trixie hated to say no to this man who
had been so kind to her. “Well, if it’s the near future, sure. I’d be happy—” “Excellent!” he interrupted. “As soon
as I get the rest of the details, you and Jack can start right away on it.” “Me a-and Jack?” Trixie gulped
apprehensively. “Yeah, you two make a good team. In a few
weeks, you can begin working on this. It shouldn’t take long, just a night—” “A few weeks?” she interjected. “Can’t
we start now?” “Anxious, are you?” Ralph chuckled.
“Well, I’m sure you have plenty to keep you busy until then. There certainly
isn’t a shortage of cases to investigate here in California. Then, a month or
two from now you can—” “A month or two?” Trixie’s mouth fell
open. “But I won’t be here!” Ralph looked up in surprise. “Won’t be
here?” he repeated incredulously. “What do you mean?” Trixie sighed. “I’m sorry to tell you
this way, but I got engaged this weekend.” She held up her left hand as
proof. “I know it’s kind of unexpected, and I apologize for bailing out on
you so soon after I started working here. I’ve really enjoyed this experience,
and you’ve been a wonderful boss. I’m willing to work a two-week notice, but
I’m anxious to return to Sleepyside after that. So I really can’t stay a
month.” “Sleepyside? So, your fiancé isn’t
someone that I know?” Trixie smiled, knowing what Ralph was
thinking. “It’s not Jack,” she told him softly. “We have been dating the past
couple months, and he is a wonderful guy, but he isn’t the guy for
me. I came to California because the man I love proposed to another woman.
This weekend, he showed up out of the blue, told me his engagement was off,
and asked me to marry him. I’ve loved him since I was 13, so…” “So you said yes,” Ralph finished
quietly. “Congratulations, Beatrix. You’re a crackerjack detective, and I’m
sorry to lose you. However, you’ve got to follow your heart. I’m truly happy
for you, although this puts me in a bind.” Feeling sorry for the predicament into
which she had placed her boss, Trixie made a spontaneous offer. “After you
get the information you need, I could come back and work on the case.” Ralph stared at her, his salt and
pepper eyebrows arched in speculation. “You could? Well, that might work… I would prefer to assign a detective who is
relatively unknown in this area to this particular case. The locals wouldn’t
recognize you.” He paused momentarily and tapped his pencil on his desk, as
he carefully chose his words. “Of course,” he continued, “it might
be kind of awkward for you to work with Jack.” Trixie nodded, knowing he had a good
point. “Yeah, it might make us both uncomfortable.” “Hmmm… come to think of it, I think
Jack already worked on a case or two in that area. He might be recognized by
some of the residents, and they might tip off the person we’re trailing. We could
probably find someone else to pair you with.” She
cleared her throat nervously. “I’m sure I can handle this on my own. I really
don’t need a partner.” Ralph snorted. “No, you don’t need a
partner. You’ll only be going to the dirtiest, most crime-infested slums in
California,” he replied sarcastically, grabbing his assignment sheet. After
perching his glasses on his nose, he searched through the list of employees
for a suitable detective with whom he could pair Trixie. “Is George Baker busy?” she suggested.
Several of her colleagues hadn’t been willing to accept her; however, after
she’d proven herself, George had given her his begrudging respect. George was
an older detective, and when he bestowed his favor on someone, it was quite
an honor. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t miss anything. Trixie thought he
was a fine investigator, and knew she wouldn’t have any trouble working with
him. “Nah, he’s working on a missing
persons case, and I doubt he’ll be finished by then,” her boss commented as
he skimmed over the list. “We’re swamped right now. Everybody’s already
working on an assignment, and I can’t be sure that they’ll be available.” “I suppose I could—” “Hey, I’ve got an idea!” he
interrupted. “Brad Richardson will be coming back to work that week, and…”
Chuckling at the horror he saw on Trixie’s face, he shook his head. “Bad
idea. After that stripper-gram incident, I don’t suppose you’d want to work
with him. Do you have any better suggestions, Detective?” “Actually, I do,” she replied with a
smile. “If you insist that I have to work with a partner, how about…” Honey shrieked in
delight. “Did you really tell him
that I would help?” “I sure did!”
Trixie laughed. “That’s okay, isn’t it? I mean, if I drop a huge case in your
lap, you’ll HAVE to let me come
back to work at the agency.” Honey whacked her
friend in the head with the spare pillow that she’d been holding. “Of course,
it’s okay, you silly goose. It’s more than okay. It’s perfectly perfect!” Trixie giggled,
raised upright and, after grabbing the pillow that had been behind her back,
she gave her friend a retaliatory whack upside the head. “Well, since you’re
going to let me have my old job back, I’ll give you the rest of the details.
Before I left LA, our client told Ralph that the person he’s looking for has
been out of the country. As soon as she returns, Ralph will contact us. He’ll
give us a week’s notice, and then we’ll need to fly to California to start
working on it.” “Oh, I can’t wait!”
Honey squealed. “It’ll be so much fun to work on another case with my best
friend.” “That’s a relief. I
was worried you had hired some handsome, buff piece of man flesh named Buck
to take my place.” “Buck?!” Honey clutched her stomach,
overcome with laughter. She would’ve certainly fallen off the bed, if Trixie
hadn’t grabbed her arm. “Oh yeah, that’s gonna happen! I could just see
Brian’s reaction if he came into the office and saw Buck sitting at your desk.” Honey giggled and batted her eyes
flirtatiously. Then she continued in a sultry voice, “Get me some coffee, Buck. Bring me that fax, Buck. Rub my shoulders, Buck. Go undercover with me to this
sleazy hotel with vibrating beds, Buck.” “I think the number of the temp service that
Buck works for is 1-800-555-STUD,” Trixie replied innocently, grabbing the
phone from her nightstand. Honey fell face
forward on the bed and buried her face in the comforter, in an effort to
muffle her laughter. The attempt was in vain, however, as their neighbor in
the apartment beside them banged on the wall. “You’d better
behave, or you’re going to be grounded,” Trixie admonished jokingly. “Mr.
Newton from 6B will call Buck to come over here and spank you.” Honey, her face
still hidden by the cornflower blue blanket, merely waved her hand, gesturing
for her friend to be quiet so that she could quit laughing and resume
breathing. “Or maybe Mr. Newton wants to come over and
spank you,” Trixie whispered ominously. “Lurking beneath that anal exterior
dwells a sex maniac.” Honey sat up,
gasping for air. She wiped a tear streaming down her cheek, as she fanned her
face and struggled to catch her breath. “Or maybe Mr. Newton has been visiting you
in my absence, and that’s the signal that he’s coming over,” Trixie teased,
unprepared for another whack in the head from the pillow in Honey’s hands. “Well, back to the subject of work,”
Honey scolded, attempting to get serious. “Did Ralph say it was all right for
me to help you on the case?” Trixie rubbed her head. “Hmmm… I
can’t seem to remember. I think I have brain damage…” As Honey raised the pillow for
another attack, Trixie released her arm and allowed her friend to fall off
the bed. Once Honey had stopped giggling, she rubbed her tender backside and
climbed back onto the bed. “Am I going to have to revoke your
pillow license?” Trixie asked with a saucy grin. “I promise that I’ll be good, but
you have to tell me what Ralph said.” “He thought it was
a great idea for you to help me. If you hadn’t agreed, I don’t know what we
would’ve done. The only other person who was free besides Jack was Brad Richardson,” she concluded with
a roll of her eyes. Honey’s brow
furrowed as she pondered Trixie’s words. “Brad Richardson. Why does that name
sound familiar?” “Because you just
saw on the news where his remains were identified after a freak steamroller
accident?” Trixie questioned hopefully, ignoring Honey’s scorching
expression. “I’ll assume that nasty look you’re giving me means he’s alive
and well.” “Well, I know I’ve
heard that name someplace,” Honey answered, squinting her eyes as she thought
hard. Suddenly she sat upright and snapped her fingers. “Did you date him
when you first arrived in California?” “Bite your tongue,
Honey Wheeler! If I was Moms, I’d wash your mouth out with soap.” “Okay, so you
didn’t date him. I give up. Who is he?” “Unfortunately, I worked with Brad Richardson at Keenan
Investigations,” Trixie replied curtly. Honey nodded.
“Okay, the name sounds familiar, but I can’t remember why you don’t like
him.” “Because he’s a total jerk, who’s a waste of
oxygen, space, and matter,” Trixie answered. “What did he do to
you?” Honey asked, her hazel eyes narrowed in query. Trixie stuck her
pert nose up in the air. “I don’t want to talk about it.” Of course, that
only further stoked Honey’s curiosity. “C’mon! Tell me what he did,” she
begged. “So, did you and
Brian have any interesting conversations this evening? Anything important to announce, like an
upcoming engagement?” “Trixie Belden!”
Honey scolded. “I’m not falling for that. I want information, and I want it
now. Why do you dislike this Brad
guy so much?” Trixie merely
crossed her arms defiantly and clamped her mouth shut. Though Honey looked
exactly like her mother, she shared several traits with her father… such as
his tenacity and his shrewdness. To make millions, one must be stubborn.
Likewise, to deal with Trixie Belden, one must be stubborn. With an evil
grin, she grabbed the foot that Trixie had kicked at her earlier. Securing it
under her left arm, Honey held the fingers of her right hand tauntingly close
to the sole of her friend’s foot. “Hey! Let me go!”
Trixie tried to wiggle free, but she could not get out of Honey’s grasp. “Not until ya talk,
sweed’art. You can make this hard, or you can make this easy,” Honey
threatened, in her best Humphrey Bogart voice. “I don’t wanna hafta rough ya
up, dollface, but I need answers, and I need ‘em now. So just tell me what I
wanna know, and nobody will get hurt. Otherwise, you’ll be sleepin’ with the
fishes, babycakes.” “You wouldn’t. You
know how much I hate being tickled.” Honey raised a
delicate brow in challenge. “Try me, toots. I’ve got nails and I’m not afraid
to use ‘em.” She hovered her manicured fingernails precariously near the
bottom of Trixie’s foot. As an added incentive, she lightly grazed the tip of
her index finger against the spot she knew was most sensitive. “I’ll talk!” Trixie
shrieked. Honey moved her
hand, but did not release Trixie’s foot. “Start singin’, sweed’art. Once we square
the beef, I’ll let ya go.” Trixie tried to
stifle a giggle, but found it to be impossible. “Brad Richardson asked me out
on a date my first week at Keenan Investigations. But he was a scrawny little
twerp, so I turned him down. Apparently what he lacks in stature, he makes up
for in ego. The jerk doesn’t take rejection well, and he started making my
life miserable.” “What did he do?”
Honey urged. “He told everyone
that my name sounded like a Pamela Anderson late night cable show,” Trixie answered
with a pout. “Trixie Belden, PI.” Honey released her
friend’s foot as she collapsed in a fit of giggles. “Trixie Belden, PI?” she
gasped. “Omigosh, that’s so funny!” “I don’t think it’s funny at all,” Trixie
replied with an indignant sniff and a toss of her sandy curls. “And besides,
you don’t have room to talk, Honey
Wheeler. I can just imagine the shows you could star in!” Trixie’s remark
effectively ended Honey’s laughter. Honey furrowed her
brow as she pondered the possible innuendos. “Trixie and Honey, Private
Dicks. It sounds like some raunchy porn movie.” “‘Trixie and Honey
Do Happy Valley,’” Trixie teased, with a wicked grin. “Or maybe ‘Trixie and
Honey Do Arizona.’ ” “First thing Monday
morning, I’m ordering new business cards,” Honey vowed, a frown still on her
face. “And you’re right. He is a
jerk.” “There’s more,”
Trixie said. “He sent me on a wild goose chase, of sorts.” “What kind of wild
goose chase?” “One where the
geese try and feel you up,” Trixie answered, her temper rising as she
remembered the event. “Details! I need
details!” Honey squealed. “Brad pretended to
extend the olive branch, and gave me this big apology. I’m ashamed to say
that I fell for it— hook, line, and sinker. Afterwards, he asked me if I
could do him a favor by taking over one of his cases for him while he went
out of town. I wanted to make an effort to get along with him, so I agreed. “He told me that I
needed to be at 143 Harrington Street at 10:00 Friday evening in order to
interview his client. I thought that was an odd time, but I agreed to go
anyway. “That night, it was
rainy and a bit chilly, so I wore my long, tan trench coat…” Trixie shivered as she stepped out of her
car into the drizzly weather. She wrapped her trench coat tightly around her
and tied the belt to secure it. Quickly grabbing the umbrella from the floor
of the back seat, she opened it and hoped that the damp weather hadn’t made
her curls too poufy. She leaned down and adjusted the side mirror of her car
to see how much damage had been done. As she expected, the rain had made her
already-wild curls even more so. She attempted to tame them a bit, then
shrugged her shoulders in helplessness as she moved the mirror back, and
resigned herself to a fate of clown hair. She walked up to the door of the
house. Once under the roof of the porch, she paused for a moment to close her
umbrella. To her surprise, she heard loud laughter bellowing from inside.
Before ringing the doorbell, she reached inside her coat pocket and pulled
out the tablet on which she’d written the details of this case. Taking a
quick peek at her notes, she confirmed that she was at the correct address. “This is the right place,” she
muttered under her breath. “I guess they know I’m coming.” She rang the bell
and waited for someone to answer the door. Minutes later a pudgy, balding man
dressed in a white T-shirt and blue jeans opened the door slightly. As he
turned around to yell at his compatriots to quiet down, Trixie caught a
glimpse of the back view of him. She stifled a giggle and tried to think
professional thoughts as she noticed his jeans were worn plumber-style. “Yesh?” he asked, with a slight hiccup
as he turned back to Trixie. His eyes were bloodshot and he teetered back and
forth, no doubt inebriated. With one hand he steadied himself against the
doorframe, and with the other he held a shot glass. “Uh… is this
the residence of Chester Dempsey?” Trixie questioned, her confident voice
belying her nervous condition. “It shure ish,” the man answered,
clearly intoxicated. “I’m Sheshter Dempshey.” Trixie thought about offering her hand
for the man to shake, but decided against it. “My name is Detective Belden. I
believe you were expecting—” “Trixshie’sh here!” the man called
merrily, swinging the door open widely. He grabbed her by the arm and led her
inside. Too stunned to resist, Trixie followed
her client into the living room. She stared in wonder as she counted heads. There
were at least ten unattractive, slobbering, slovenly-dressed men in the room. “Umm… If this isn’t a good time for
you, Mr. Dempsey, I can come back later.” “Can’t you shtay for a liddle bit,”
her client pleaded. “Brad promished you’d inter… you’d intar… you’d integ… you’d ashk ush shome queshtionsh.”
He waggled his bushy eyebrows. Trixie shrugged her shoulders and
nervously fiddled with the belt of her trench coat. “Well, if you don’t mind
an audience…” For some reason, her words made all of
the men in the room cheer and applaud. Several of the men gave her loud wolf
whistles, while a couple just leered at her with glassy looks in their eyes. “Shweetheart, shoundsh good t’ me!”
Mr. Dempsey chuckled, wobbling precariously back and forth. “Do you take
shecks?” “Shecks?” Trixie repeated in
confusion. “Oh, checks! You don’t have to worry about that right now, Mr.
Dempsey. I expect full payment at the end of my services; however, depending
on your requests, it might take a long time until I’ve satisfied your
demands. Payment isn’t required until our clients’ needs have been met.” The pudgy man’s eyes grew wide. “Sho
you do it all? Brad never menshunned that. Thish ish bedder than I thought
it’d be! I thought you’d jusht be here a few minutesh.” Trixie flipped her curls back and took
a deep breath, unknowingly heaving out her breasts. She didn’t notice the
trickle of drool dripping down her client’s chin. “I don’t know what Brad told you, but
I assure you that I’m quite capable of handling all your needs, Mr. Dempsey. For some reason,
Mr. Richardson doubts my ability, but I can give you pages and pages of the
names of satisfied customers whose lives have been changed by my services.
I’ve been in this line of work since I was thirteen and, though some
disagreed with my particular career choice, I’ve always known I’ve had an
exceptional talent for it.” Trying to
calm her temper, she slowly counted to ten and ran her tongue across her top
lip, unaware of the effect it was having upon her audience. Naïvely, she
continued. “I guarantee total satisfaction after I’m finished. And I plan on
staying here until all loose ends have been tied up. There’s absolutely no
need to doubt my performance, Mr. Dempsey. In my twelve years in this
profession, I have yet to leave a client unsatisfied, and I don’t intend to
begin now.” She looked questioningly at the two
men in the back of the room who seemed as giddy as schoolboys at their first
dance. One raised his hand timidly. “Trixshie, will you interview me
nesht, ash shoon ash you get done with Sheshter?” “Actually sir, depending on Mr.
Dempsey’s requests, it may be necessary for me to meet privately, one on one,
with each of you before the night’s over,” she replied absentmindedly as she
tried to undo the knot in her belt. All of the men in the room clapped
their hands in excitement and moved closer to Trixie. ‘I’ve never seen a group so eager to
be interrogated’, she thought to herself. Out loud she asked, “Are we ready
to begin?” “Shtand back, guysh!” Mr. Dempsey
hollered. “I getta be firsht. I’m the one payin’ for thish.” “Hey, Sheshter, don’t ya wanna watsh?”
a large, hairy man yelled. “How ‘bout I go firsht while you watsh, then she
can do you lasht.” Trixie let go of her belt, and looked
up at the man. “I’m sorry, sir, but I need to do Mr. Dempsey first. And
depending on what I get from the rest of you, I may need to nail down
anything that has popped up unexpectedly. So unless it’s a problem, Mr.
Dempsey, I may need to confer with you several times. But you can watch while
I deal with the others, if you wish.” “Ash long ash it doeshn’t cosht me
eshtra,” her client told her. “I didn’t know all thish wash included. Do you
sharge by the hour?” Trixie nodded. “If you’re concerned
about cost, maybe I can handle two or three of your guests at once?” That statement increased the noise
level in the room by several decibels. Trixie cast a furtive glance around at
the reveling, and thought to herself, At least they’re ready and willing
to be interviewed. Maybe this won’t be so bad… “Can we get shtarted now?” Mr. Dempsey
pleaded, his breathing accelerated and quite loud. “Sure,” Trixie agreed, once again
tugging at the knot of her trench coat’s belt. The body heat in the small
room was making her extremely hot. If she didn’t take her coat off, she would
pass out from the stifling heat. “Mr. Dempsey, would you mind coming in the
kitchen to begin?” “The kitshen? I’d have to clean it up
before my fianshée getsh home tomorrow,” Chester replied nervously. “Can we
go in the bedroom inshtead?” “I’m comfortable doing it wherever you
want,” Trixie said, still trying to loosen the knot. “Ish she takin’ off her coat now?” a
scrawny man in the back asked. “Looksh like it,” another answered, not
taking his eyes off of Trixie so as to not miss the show. “Can we turn on shome mushic?” the
large, hairy man asked. “That’s fine with me,” Trixie
murmured. However, she looked up as someone lowered the lights. “Excuse me,
but I’d prefer for you to leave all the lights on. I work better when I can
see what I’m doing.” Concentrating on loosening her belt,
she unconsciously began swaying her hips to the bow-chicka-wow-wow music on
the radio. After much travail, she managed to work the knot loose and undid
it. She vaguely heard catcalls and lewd comments, but blamed it on all the
alcohol that had been consumed. However, as she opened her trench coat, Mr.
Dempsey yelled, “Take it off, shexy lady!” Trixie snapped her head up and looked
at him. “What did you say?” “Take off your clothesh, shexy lady,”
he repeated, thinking it was part of her act. “Hey, where’sh the G-shtring?
Trixie’sh got clothesh on under her coat. Maybe she needsh shome help takin’
‘em off.” He reached up to clasp one of the buttons on her blouse. She responded in typical
Trixie-fashion by grabbing his wandering hand and twisting it behind his
back. “How dare you! I should get my handcuffs out, and—” “You like it rough, do you,
shweetheart?” Mr. Dempsey chuckled, enjoying the view down her blouse and
still thinking her feistiness was part of her routine. “Of all the…” Trixie exclaimed,
digging into the deep pocket of her trench coat and… “…I zapped him with my stun gun,” Trixie continued
with a satisfied grin. “Of course, his guests weren’t the sharpest crayons in
the box, either. While he lay on the ground twitching, another one tried to
see if I had on underwear, so I had to mace that guy.” “You didn’t!” Honey
gasped, not knowing whether to laugh or shake her head in disbelief. “Of course, I did!”
Trixie exclaimed. “I ended up using that entire can of mace. And the
batteries of my stun gun ran out before I could get the last two guys. I had
to handcuff them together.” “Trixie!” Honey
shrieked. “Did you just leave them like that?” “They were fine,”
Trixie insisted with a roll of her eyes. “I called the police to help them, after I found out they’d been told
that I was a stripper. The cops checked on them a few hours later.” “I can’t believe
you just left them like that!” Honey gasped. “They could’ve gone into shock
or had an allergic reaction to the mace or something.” Trixie snorted. “I
can’t believe you think I would be so uncaring. I checked for a pulse on
everyone before I left.” “What happened to
Brad?” Honey questioned. “Did you get him back?” “I was going to
exact some sort of gruesome revenge, but while I was biding my time, planning
something perfectly perfect, Jack told Ralph what Brad had done, and Ralph
suspended him without pay.” “That’s good.”
Honey breathed a sigh of relief. “Yeah, Jack’s a
good guy.” A worried expression clouded Honey’s
pretty face. “Will we see Jack while we’re in California?” Trixie nodded.
“He’s overseeing the case we’ll be working on for Ralph,” she admitted.
“We’ll be reporting to him. Jack was supposed to be my partner, but we knew
that would be too awkward.” Honey gasped and
clutched the pillow close to her. “But won’t it be uncomfortable for him to
be your supervisor? I mean, he knows that… that you’re… you know…” “Engaged?” Trixie
offered. “Yes, I talked to him before I left…” Trixie left Ralph’s office, exhaling in
relief. She was very thankful that he had been willing to let her work with
Honey. She knew that it would be impossible to work with Jack as she once
had. Just then, she passed by the door leading to his office. Will we be able to work on
this case together? she wondered. Is
he mad at me? Or what if he makes a pass at me? Trixie stopped by the entrance to his office, and wearily rubbed her
aching forehead with her fingers. Well, no need to sit around
and worry about it, she decided with a
shrug. I’ll just be up front with him and tell him where he stands. No
time like the present… She took a deep breath, and then
hesitantly knocked on his door. “Come in!” he called. After saying a quick prayer, she
opened the door and stuck her head inside. “Hello, Jack.” He looked up in shock, obviously not
expecting to see her, and then attempted to smile in a friendly greeting.
“Hey, Detective.” “How’re you doing?” Trixie asked
tenuously. “No complaints here. How about you?” “I’m good,” she told him, wringing her
hands. Jack knotted
his auburn eyebrows. “I’m kind of surprised to see you here. I thought you’d
be heading back to Sleepyside with Jim.” “I’m going home in a couple of weeks,
but I couldn’t leave without talking to Ralph. I wanted to give him the news in person.
He’s been a great boss, and part of me hates to leave him.” Jack nodded, and motioned to the seat
across from his desk. “He’ll be sad to see you go. You’ve been a real asset
to the company.” “Thanks,” Trixie murmured as she
nervously sat down. She picked at an invisible piece of fuzz on her navy
slacks. Sensing that she was uncomfortable,
Jack attempted to put her at ease. “Did Ralph ask you about the Montage
case?” “Yeah,” she responded. “I told him
that I had to leave in two weeks, but that I would come back when the case
was ready to begin.” Jack swallowed. “Did he assign you a
partner?” “We decided that Honey would come back
to Los Angeles with me and help. I’m going to ask her about it when I go
home.” Jack let out a sigh of relief. “That’s
a good idea. From what you told me, you and Honey make a good team.” He
paused momentarily as he studied her left hand, resting on top of his desk.
“Is it safe to say that Schoolgirl Shamuses is back in business?” “Yes, it’s safe to say,” she said with
a smile, understanding his hidden meaning. “And if you see any orchids at the
zoo, you aren’t going to bite my head off?” Jack inquired with an impish
grin. “I’m not going to bite your head off.
Well, at least not because I see orchids,” she countered. “But I’m not
promising that I won’t bite your head off over something else.” He let out an exaggerated exhale.
“Whew! That’s a relief.” Trixie smiled and shyly looked up at
him. “Although I’m the one who deserves to have my head bitten off.” “What do you mean?” She shrugged. “Well, you know…” Jack reached
across the desk, and patted her hand in a friendly, yet platonic, manner to show
he held no grudge. “I’m happy for you, Detective. Jim seemed like a nice guy
and it was obvious that you were crazy about each other.” “You’re
happy for me?” “What? You
want me to be suicidal?” Jack snorted. Trixie could
tell by his expression that he was teasing. “Now, don’t you jump off the roof
or anything. Ralph would really be in a bind if he had to replace both of
us.” “Not to
mention that his insurance would go up,” he grinned, playing on their boss’
penchant to save money. “Maybe he
could get some through People’s Friend,” Trixie giggled. “I’ll miss
you, Detective. You’ve been a good friend.” “I’ll miss
you, too, Jack. Thanks for not treating me like a helpless female. I really
appreciate that.” “As if you’d
let me get away with it,” he remarked. “As I recall, you’ve got a mean right
hook. I think I’d better call Jim and warn him about it.” “He’s the
one that taught it to me,” she laughed. “He got sick of fighting all the bad
guys Honey and I chased as teenagers, so he decided to give me some self-defense
lessons.” “So if he
gets socked in the nose, it’s his own fault. I assume by that rock on your
finger that you didn’t show him that alternate exit Friday night?” Trixie
chuckled, remembering how she had wanted Jack to throw Jim out the third story
window. “No, I didn’t. We made up.” “I kinda
guessed that you didn’t get that ring in a Crackerjack’s box.” Jack whistled.
“Looks like Jimbo spent a pretty penny on that diamond.” “Actually,
it belonged to his great-aunt. I found it for Jim, and he gave it to me when
I was thirteen. Well, he didn’t GIVE IT to me… I mean, it was mine, but he didn’t mean it to be an engagement
ring or anything…” Jack smiled
knowingly. “Sounds like you two were destined to be together.” “I believe
so,” Trixie answered quietly. “I’ve loved him since the first time we met. I
knew from the moment I laid eyes on him that he was the most wonderful man in
the world.” She blushed as she said the familiar phrase. “Have you set a date?” “Not yet,” Trixie admitted, with a
shake of her sandy curls. “He had to go back home. I’m sure we’ll discuss
that when I return to Sleepyside.” “He must’ve had some business to
attend to.” Trixie nodded proudly. “Yes, very important business. Jim runs a school for
underprivileged children. He left Sleepyside in such a hurry that he didn’t
arrange for anyone to be in charge in his absence.” “A school for underprivileged
children,” he repeated. “That’s very honorable.” “You have no idea,” she laughed. “I wish you both the very best,” he
told her sincerely. “Thank you,” she replied quietly.
“Jack, I uh… I hope you’re not… I didn’t mean to… I mean, I’m sorry that—” “Trixie.” His stern voice interrupted
her nervous rambling, and forced her to look him in the eye. “You have nothing
to be sorry about. We already went over this in the hallway of your apartment
building.” “I know, but—” “But nothing. You had to follow your
heart, Detective. None of us would’ve been happy if you hadn’t.” “Are you happy now?” Trixie looked into Jack’s
eyes, broken-hearted at the pain she saw there. “I’m happy that you’re happy,” he said
honestly. “And someday, I’ll be happy because I’m happy.” “You’re a good man, Jack Palmer.”
Trixie smiled affectionately at him. “You’re going to have a hard time
finding a woman worthy of you.” “That’s what my mom keeps telling
everyone,” he teased with a grin. “So, Detective Belden, what are your
plans?” Trixie relaxed, relieved that Jack was
making an effort to talk about something more comfortable. “Well, after I
return to Sleepyside, I’m going to see if Schoolgirl Shamuses, Inc. is…” “…hiring,” she finished.
“Then I told him that Ralph planned to ask him to head up that case we’ll be
working on.” “So he didn’t lay
on a big guilt trip?” Honey asked. “Nope. He was
really sweet and genuine about the whole thing.” Trixie shook her head and
smiled wistfully. “I’m really glad we could part as friends. He’s such a nice
guy.” “And what does my
brother say about your congenial parting with your ex-boyfriend?” Honey
questioned, a well-sculpted brow raised in query. “Jim has been known to have frequent attacks of the green-eyed
monster.” Trixie chewed on
her lip thoughtfully. “Actually, he took the news rather well. I called him
that evening and told him about my conversation with Jack, and Jim seemed
genuinely relieved that Jack was so nice about the whole thing. I could be
wrong, but I think they bonded.” Honey giggled. “Maybe my brother’s
mellowing in his old age. Or maybe he had a temperature.” “No, he’s just confident in the fact
that I love him,” Trixie argued. “Jack was a nice guy, but he just wasn’t
Jim.” “What is it with you and your
redheaded man fetish?” Honey asked with a wrinkle of her perfect nose. “I
mean, is it the temper or the freckles… What is it?” “I don’t know,” Trixie admitted,
“but there is just something about that red hair that gets my attention.” “Not me,” Honey said, her tongue
stuck out in distaste. “There are way too many redheaded men around here.
After growing up with a red-haired father, brother, and groom, I’m distancing
myself from anyone with a reddish hue in their hair, be it a mild strawberry
blond or a fiery auburn.” “You know, your dad is kind of cute…” Trixie laughed as she
dodged the pillow that came flying towards her. “I’m just kidding. I don’t
know what it is, but Jim’s always had a power over me. And no matter how
handsome and debonair Jack was, he just wasn’t Jim.” “No, Jack wasn’t nearly anal
enough,” Honey teased, receiving a gentle kick on the leg. “A-hem? I think my older brother wins, hands down, in
the ‘Most Anal’ category.” “Now, Trixie, Mart is a bit overbearing at times, but
he’s not anal.” “You know darn well
which older brother I was referring to,” Trixie countered with mock
sternness. “Brian’s getting
better,” Honey said defensively as she stifled a yawn. “But I am really proud
of Jim for not giving you the business about Jack.” “Giving you the business?” Trixie
repeated, the corners of her mouth twitching. “Sounds like somebody’s been
watching too much TV Land.” “Hush, or I’m going
to whack you again with your pillow,” Honey threatened, raising the fluffy
object menacingly. “And I like ‘Leave it to Beaver.’ Wally was so adorable…”
Sensing that she was getting silly from a lack of sleep, she shook her head
to clear her thoughts. “Now quit changing the subject back and forth. I’m
tired, and I’m getting easily confused.” “Getting?” Trixie clarified pointedly,
and was rewarded by a smirk from her best friend. “We can go to bed, if you
want. We have all morning to talk.” “I can stay up for
a little bit longer,” Honey insisted. “So, tell me more about this case we’ll
be working on.” “I don’t know much
except that we’ll be tracking down an important informant. Apparently, we’ll
be going to a rather seedy part of town, and Ralph seems to think we’ll get
farther if nobody recognizes us. I guess several of the detectives from the
office have worked in that area before.” “Will we be looking
for a man or a woman?” “Ralph didn’t say
for sure, but I think it’s a woman,” Trixie said. “The picture he showed me
was kind of blurry, but it looked like a female.” “And when will we
be leaving?” “Aren’t you full of
questions?” Trixie teased, giggling as Honey blew a raspberry in her
direction. “I’m not positive, but it should only be a couple of weeks.” “I can’t wait.” A
mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Honey’s mouth. “Two more weeks
until ‘Trixie and Honey Do California.’ ” Trixie leaned over
and laughed loudly. “Well, we might as well do California; we’ve already done
Idaho and Minnesota.” “We can’t do all of
California while we’re there,” Honey gasped. “It’s a big place. We’ll have to
limit ourselves to Southern California.” “Okay,” Trixie
conceded, tears trickling down her cheeks. “‘Trixie and Honey Do Los Angeles.’
” Much like they did
as teenagers, the girls collapsed in a giggling heap. Minutes later a loud
pounding sound echoed from the other side of the wall. Simultaneously,
they chimed, “Sorry, Mr. Newton!” “Jeesh!” Trixie
muttered under her breath. “Even sensible Miss Trask wasn’t that strict with
us. If he doesn’t lighten up, we won’t let him watch our international
feature, ‘Trixie and Honey Do London.’ ” Honey buried her
hands in her face, not sure what was more important: Ceasing her laughing or
trying to breathe. “I told you that
beneath his anal exterior he was a sex maniac,” Trixie added with a giggle. Honey stuck her
fingers in her ears in sang in a loud voice, “La la la… I’m not listening… la
la la!” “Hmmm… I wonder if
those Strawberry Blasts that I put in the refrigerator are cold yet?” Whacking her best
friend a final time with the pillow, Honey managed a, “No more strawberry pop
for you tonight! You’re wasted!” before she fell off the bed in a fit of
laughter.
As always, I must begin with
a thank you to my industrious editors, the fabulous K ladies, KathyW and Kaye!
You both ROCK! I know life has been busy and I appreciate you taking the time
out to edit for me. Big strawberry smoochies going out to both of you! Also a big thank you to Trish
(Pbahr) for mentioning “Wasted Away Again in Margaritaville” in response to
my song question. I had so many great ideas given to me, but as soon as I
said, “Wasted Away Again in Strawberry Pop-Ville,” I couldn’t quit giggling,
and when I told it to Damon, he started chuckling out loud. I knew I had
found my title. *G* Thank you so much, Trish! {{{HUGS}}} I’m sure the moon isn’t
actually brighter in New York than it is in California. That was purely
Trixie’s opinion. *G* As far as I know, Strawberry
Blast is not an actual brand of soda. The apple seeds are of course
a reference to Brian’s cyanide poisoning in Hudson River Mystery. In my past universe, we learn
in “Keeping
Up With the Joneses” that Katie dies
from a broken heart. The Dorothy I mentioned who Trixie
quoted if the famous Dorothy Gale of Kansas who was carried away by a tornado
to the Land of Oz. Ralph Keenan, Jack Palmer,
George Baker and Brad Richardson worked with Trixie in California. They are
my characters, and I can do with them whatever I want. More about the Montage case later. *VEG* 1-800-555-STUD is not a real
number (that I know of J), so unfortunately you can’t call it and order your own buff male
secretary. Please overlook Honey’s
horrid Humphrey Bogart impersonation. She tried her best. The stripper-gram scene is
dedicated to my editor and friend, Kathy, since she wanted to know what
happened there. That got my evil mind to thinking, and that’s always fun. I
had a ball writing that part, and I hope you enjoyed reading it. J TV Land is a television
station that offers all those glorious shows from ages ago that I adore so
much, such as Leave it to Beaver. The titles of Trixie and
Honey’s movies come from their various adventures in the books.
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