Chapter Four

After everyone had left and the doors were secured, Wilson and Chavez gathered their mugs of coffee and settled in at the breakfast bar in the kitchen. "Goodnight. Thank you for everything," Honey said.

"Goodnight, Ms. Wheeler. Don't worry about anything. Carmelita will be on duty and I'll be in the guest room," Wilson advised.

Honey and Sherlock went down the hall into her room. While Sherlock settled onto the queen-sized bed, Honey changed into her pajamas, slipper socks, and fluffy bathrobe. She knew it was May, but she was still chilled to the bone. The headache was still clinging to the back of her head. She also knew she needed rest, but the memory of the attack of nausea earlier that afternoon had left her restless.

Relaxation, I need to relax. Honey thought to herself as she sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed Sherlock's ears. "Sherlock, I'm really glad you had to spend the night. You being here makes me less lonely. Now if I could just muster up the courage to go to sleep."

Sherlock missed her folks, but she knew her Aunt Honey needed her more. She answered with a soft whimper, "HHhmmmMMM."

"Music? That's a great suggestion. Let's see, what's on the iPod," Honey said picking up her music player from her bed-side table. She scrolled through her music library. "Hmm, let's see. What do you think about the Beatles?"

The small dog exhaled noisily and settled her head on her front paws.

"OK, I take that as a no." Continuing to look through the selections she came across a group she always found relaxing. And cute, she thought. A gentle smile spread across her face. She placed the small electronic device onto the docking speakers and music poured out into the room. As the mix of deep, rich Irish male voices raised in song filled the air, Sherlock flopped onto her side and released a deep sign. "So, you like dark-haired men, too."

Honey crossed the room, lit the group of aromatherapy candles on her dresser and turned off the overhead light. The room was now draped in shadows, flickering light from the candles and the soft light from her bed-side table. She pushed the now snoring dog to the other side of the bed and pulled the covers down. After turning the light off, she adjusted the volume on Celtic Thunder, and snuggled down under her comforter. "OK, Ryan and Paul, sing me to sleep please."

She lay in the darkness and listed to the velvety tenors. Sleep continued to elude her. She rolled onto her side and watched Sherlock sleeping peacefully. I'm jealous of a dog. Sad, Wheeler, very sad. Practice your breathing, in…out…in…out. When the deep breathing techniques didn't help, Honey flipped overon to her back in frustration. "Warm milk, Miss Trask always said warm milk would help. Be right back, Sherlock," Honey said as she got up and put her bathrobe back on.

She was walking through the living room when she heard a knock on the front door. Who could be here this late? she thought and froze in her tracks. Oh my God! He's here! She sank onto the couch and curled into the darkness. Her body frozen with panic, Honey heard Carmelita speaking through the closed door. She could hear a muffled reply and then she listened as the locks clicked open. As she sat hiding in the shadows, she realized it was what she had done as a girl in boarding school. It was as if someone flicked the light on. She had a flash of clarity. "Madeline Grace, get up now and see who it is, or you're going to be hiding for the rest of your life."

Honey stood up, straightened her shoulders and walked toward the source of her fear. When she got to the hallway, she could hear the conversation clearly.

"I'm sorry, sir. I understand your name is on the list, but without proper ID, there is nothing I can do." Carmelita was saying, her hand resting on the gun at her waist.

"I understand. I really do. But ma'am you've got to understand, I've just spent over eight hours on a bus. Parking on this street is a nightmare, so I had to park my rental car in a garage four blocks away. Ma'am, I left everything in the car."

I know that voice. Honey thought as she moved quickly down the hallway.

"I'm sorry, sir…" Carmelita was repeating, when Honey interrupted.

"Brian? Is that you?" she asked softly from behind the statuesque bodyguard.

"Honey? Are you OK? How do you feel? How's your head?" Questions peppered rapidly through the small crack the security chain allowed.

"Brian! Carmelita, open the door. That's Brian. Let him in, please," Honey announced trying to get past the Amazon-sized woman.

Carmelita didn't budge. "I'm sorry Ms. Wheeler. No ID, no entry. Those are the rules."

Usually very polite and courteous, Honey had enough and her demeanor changed. "Ms. Chavez, I appreciate that you have rules. However, this is my brownstone, you are my employee, and you will open my door. Right now! Thank you."

"Ms. Wheeler, this is for your own protection…"

"Open the door, Ms. Chavez." Honey's voice was like ice cold steel.

"Ms. Wheeler…"

"Open the door, Chavez." The gruff command came from the doorway of the guest room. A disheveled Wilson was leaning against the door frame.

"But..."

"Open…the…door…Chavez." The words were said slowly and deliberately.

Mumbling to herself about a break in protocol, the dark-haired woman closed the door and removed the security chain. She opened the door and stood back to allow the young man to enter the room.

The iron maiden melted as soon as she saw her childhood friend. "Brian!" she exclaimed and threw herself into his arms. His arms wrapped around her instinctively offering comfort and solace. For all her tough talk, the events of the past 48 hours had wiped her out and Honey's composure was shattered.

"Oh, Honey, it's OK. Everything is going to be OK. I promise." Brian was trying to comfort his friend, attempting to keep her from becoming too out of control. Although Honey was still wrapped tightly around him, he looked over at the two bodyguards and said, "Hi, I'm Brian Belden. I just got in from the city. Sorry I forgot my ID."

"Understood, Dr. Belden. I'm Wilson and that's Chavez." He watched as his co-worker secured the locks on the door and gestured towards the kitchen. He nodded his understanding. "I'm going to try and get a little shut eye, if that's OK with everyone." He backed into the guest room, shutting the door, leaving Brian and a sniffling Honey alone in the hallway.

Brian held Honey at arm's length and said, "Better? How about we go sit in the living room and you can tell me whatever you like."

Wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, she mumbled, "I'm so sorry. I can't believe I lost it like that. I am so embarrassed."

"Why would you be embarrassed? Come on, Brian here…fellow Bob-White. If you can't cry on my shoulder, who's can you? Let's have a seat," he said putting his hand on the small of her back and gently guiding her towards the living room.

Honey turned the lamp on the end table on and sat on the sofa, curling her legs underneath her. Brian sat down next to her and took her hand in his. He placed his fingers on her wrist and looked at his wristwatch. Meeting her raised eyebrows, he remarked, "What? Force of habit. Now just sit still for a minute." They sat in silence as Brian watched the second hand sweep across the face of his grandfather's wristwatch. "Your pulse is a little high, but not so high I'm worried."

My pulse is high, because you're holding my hand. Honey thought to herself and quickly decided that she needed to change the direction of her thoughts. "Brian, not that I mind, but what are you doing here?"

"Well, after Trix called, I remembered that I have weeks of vacation on the books and was going to lose them. The chief took my finished records and kicked me out and said he didn't want to see me until next Monday." Brian said, settling back onto the comfy couch and turning to face his friend. "So, seriously, how are you feeling?"

"Are you asking as a Bob-White or as a doctor?"

"Can't I be both?"

Honey smiled. "Always logical." She gave him a brief recap of what happened before everyone had gotten there in the morning and what had occurred since. "We're going to regroup here tomorrow morning for a breakfast meeting."

"Well, I guess I'd better go and let you get some sleep. Are you sleeping with your head elevated?"

"Trying, but I'm not having much luck falling asleep. I was going for warm milk when you knocked. But Brian, I don't know where you're going to stay. Jim and Trixie got the last room at the B&B. Mother and Father are staying at a luxury hotel way over by Cornell, but they were fortunate to even find a room. Most hotels are full for Cornell's Lavender Graduation celebrations."

"No problem. I'll just go to the hospital and crash in the resident's lounge, no one should notice."

"Absolutely not. You can stay here," Honey said firmly.

"Honey, in case you haven't noticed, there are more people than beds around here. Tom and Regan loaded up all your furniture and carted it to Sleepyside…you remember that right?" he teased.

She rolled her eyes and looked sideways at him. "Brian I didn't suffer any memory loss. At least I don't think I did."

"Funny, good to see you still have a sense of humor." Brian smiled. "Are you sure there's room for me?"

"Positive," Honey said. "Carmelita has the overnight watch, so you can sleep on the couch. I know you must be exhausted, but you have to catch me up to date on what's been going on with you."

Matt knocked on the front door to Honey's brownstone. Wilson appeared immediately and ushered him, Maddie, Trixie and Jim in. They carried sacks of eggs, bacon and breakfast ingredients through the doorway.

"Good morning, Wilson," Jim said, moving farther into the hallway. "We come bearing food. We're hungry and focused on getting some breakfast made," he added, holding up the grocery bags.

"Is Honey up, Wilson?" Trixie queried, walking toward the kitchen area. "And where is Car-," she halted outside the living room door. Her jaw sagged and her mouth formed a perfect 'O'.

"What's wrong, dear?" Maddie asked stepped around Matt to see into the room. "Oh," she sighed. "It's about time," she murmured.

Trixie stared at her eldest brother lying on the sofa, cradling her best-friend as they slept peacefully. She had never seen Brian's face so relaxed and content, even in sleep.

Jim, Matt and Wilson joined the two women in the doorway. A smirk stole over Jim's face, while his father scowled at the scene.

Gruffly, Matt requested, "Jim, why don't you wake up you sister and your friend while the rest of us get breakfast started. It's going to be a long day." He glared at the sofa and then sighed heavily before turning to walk toward the kitchen.

His wife bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling broadly at the trio remaining in the hallway. "Trixie, you better get started on that coffee cake," she reminded. "Jim, be nice to them."

Handing his bags to Wilson, Jim grinned at his mother. "Sure, Mom. I'll be as kind to Brian as he was to me and Trix."

"Behave," his girlfriend admonished before kissing him swiftly and hurrying toward the kitchen.

Jim moved into the living room and stood at the end of the sofa. His left eyebrow quirked as he contemplated the best way to wake the sleeping couple without embarrassing his sister too much. Once she was out of hearing, his best-friend was going to get jibed about being found holding Honey. His lips curled in an evil grin as he decided on a plan.

"Honey. Brian," he called softly. Neither person moved so he tried again. "Good morning, Honey. Brian. It's time to get up."

His sister turned her head toward him but remained snuggled to Brian's chest. The arms holding Honey seemed to tighten as his friend slowly turned his head away from hers. A string of drool from the corner of his mouth to her hair reflected in the lamplight.

Jim couldn't resist taking his smartphone from his pants pocket and taking a picture of the duo. Now that's some future blackmail he thought with a grin. Checking out the photo, he was happy to see the drool string showed plainly in the picture. He returned the phone to his pocket.

Gently touching the back of his sister's hand where it rested on Brian's chest, Jim tried again. "Honey. Hey, sis, it's time to wake up. You too, Bri. Wake up," he said in his normal voice.

Brian lay on the sofa, enjoying the feel of the warm, soft body lying on his chest and the silky hair draped across his upper arm. Oh, Honey, he thought. This is the best dream ever. Stretching out his arms, he realized the weight on his chest didn't go away with the movement. His arms brushed into what felt like jean-clad legs. He cracked open his eyes and saw the head of honey-colored hair cuddled into his chest. Closing his eyes briefly, when he opened them again, he was looking into a pair of devilish green eyes.

"Good morning, Brian," Jim said, chuckling. "Time to get up and face the day…plus my father," he snickered.

Brian closed his eyes and groaned. "Hi, Jim. Is everyone here?"

"If you mean did everyone see you, then yes, they did. My mother, father, Trixie, Wilson and I all saw this lovely and touching tableau of a young couple holding each other."

A loud sigh passed through his lips as he closed his eyes briefly. "OK, here's the deal," he whispered. "You let me wake up Honey, you don't give her any crap and you can take potshots at me for a month."

"Six months," Jim bargained.

Brian rolled his eyes, but raised his hand to his friend. "She's worth it," he said softly, glancing at her sleeping face. "Deal." As he shook hands with Jim, he smiled and ordered, "Now get out."

"Sure thing, buddy," Jim replied with a grin. "Welcome to the fallen by the way," he added, then stuck his hands in his pockets before sauntering out of the room.

Brian tightened his arm around Honey's back and enjoyed a few more minutes of the heaven that was having her in his arms.

Gently he pushed the hair off of her face and behind her ear to look at her more closely. He had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. Slowly, he moved the hand on her back in an up and down motion. He meant to not only ease her into wakefulness but also to reassure her she was safe when she did wake up.

"Honey, it's time to wake up," he coaxed softly. "Baby, I think your folks are here with Trixie and Jim," he continued, rolling his eyes at the thought. "You need to wake up. We need to get around so we can take you safely back to Sleepyside." He touched her face gently and tried again. "Honey, baby, it's time to wake up," he said more loudly.

She moved restlessly on his chest which made Brian muffle a groan as she pressed closer to him. He closed his eyes and settled back to enjoy the sensation, drawing Honey closer to him.

"Oomph!" he exclaimed as the heel of her hand landed on his diaphragm and knocked the air out of him. Brian's eyes popped open to see Honey backing away from him in a panic.

"Honey," he soothed, realizing she was in a state between sleep and wakefulness. "It's me, Brian. Honey, you need to wake up."

Her hair flew around her face as she shook her head. She blinked her eyes several times as her face reddened with distress. "Brian? What am I doing out here?" she muttered disoriented.

Brian approached her and took her hand in both of his. "We sat on the sofa talking last night, remember?" he said, as color flushed his handsome cheeks. "I guess we fell asleep," he explained quietly.

"Did you say my parents, Jim and Trixie are here?" she asked anxiously, eyes flitting around the room.

"Yes," he answered gently. "They brought stuff to make breakfast. Jim woke me up so we can get ready for the day."

She tilted her head and gazed into his warm, chocolaty eyes. "OK. That sounds like a plan. There's a bathroom in the hall you can use." Rising up on her toes, she kissed him softly on the cheek. "Thanks, Brian," she offered shyly. "That was the best night's sleep that I've had in a while," she admitted, then hurried from the room.

Showered and shaved, Brian stepped out of the bathroom into the hallway, directly into the path of Matthew Wheeler.

The older man crossed his muscular arms across his chest and glared at the young man he had known for a dozen years. "Good morning, Brian," he bade gruffly. "I was surprised to see you here this morning."

Brian's posture straightened and his eyes gazed steadily into the other man's. "Hello, Mr. Wheeler," he replied. "Trixie called yesterday and told me that Honey was attacked. I left work as soon as I could make arrangements. I had to see for myself that she was all right," he asserted. "She is very, very important to me," he admitted.

Matt watched as the significance of his admission registered on Brian's face followed by a grin. Well, I always knew it would happen, he thought frowning. I suspected it would be Brian, too. Damn! I hate being right, he added as the frown on his face deepened.

Seeing the scowl, Brian affirmed, "I know you aren't happy that I'm here, but Honey does mean a great deal to me." Matt's green eyes darkened as he appeared to look through him. "Mr. Wheeler, I will always be here for her and I will do everything in my power to ensure her happiness and safety."

Matt's eyes softened as his arms dropped to his sides and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He looked past Brian. Clapping the younger man on the shoulder, he finally focused on his face. "I think, under the circumstances, you should probably call me Matt from now on," he sighed loudly, shaking his head and striding toward the kitchen.

"Uh-hum." A soft throat clearing came from behind him.

Closing his eyes and counting to ten, Brian opened them and turned to see Honey. "'Morning again," he responded. As he remembered the words he had said to Matt, a flush stole across his cheeks at the knowledge that Honey had heard every word.

The beautiful woman stepped directing in front of him and searched his face. "Did you mean what you said?" she asked shyly with a look of wonder on her lovely face.

"I meant every word," he whispered.

"Just because of us being Bob-Whites?" she pressed quietly.

"No, because you are you," he responded, stepping closer. "Us being Bob-Whites comes second."

"Oh," she breathed, looking at him with sparkling eyes.

Brian put his hand behind Honey's neck and slowly drew her face to meet his. He exhaled softly on her lips. "You are everything…" he began, lowering his head.

"Breakfast!" Wilson called through the kitchen door.

Startled, they jumped apart.

Exchanging self-conscious, shy looks, Honey finally stammered, "I guess we should go eat."

"I'm starved," Brian agreed, with a mental eye-roll for such a lame response. "Let's go see what they made." Taking her hand in his, he walked her toward the kitchen, cursing Wilson's timing and thinking about the opportunity missed.

"Here's the bacon and eggs," Trixie announced, placing the two platters on the table.

"And here's the coffee cake Trixie made," Jim said proudly, setting the pan on the hotpad. "It smells delicious, baby."

A loud knock on the front door made the eight occupants of the room jump.

"I'll get it," Trixie said, walking quickly to the entry followed by Wilson. After a quick glance out the peep-hole, she opened the door.

"Overnight delivery for Trixie Belden," the uniformed driver stated as he looked at the small box.

"That's me," she replied.

"This package requires ID, per the sender. May I see your ID?"

Trixie pulled her FBI ID case out of the hip pocket of her jeans. After showing it to the driver, he handed her the delivery clipboard to sign then gave her the box.

"Have a good day," he said with a wave as he bounded down the stairs.

"You, too," she called before shutting the door. Trixie had only taken two steps when her cell phone rang. "Hello."

"Trixie, if my package tracker is working correctly, you have the box," Cooper said by way of greeting.

"Well, good morning to you, too, Cooper," she laughed. "Yes, I have the box and I take it that everything is set up as we discussed."

"Yep. I gotcha covered," Cooper answered. "Is Honey doing OK?"

Trixie moved a step or two down the hall to see inside the dining room. "She's still having headaches and dizziness plus her body is still sore, but I think she's better. Some good medicine arrived last night in the form of my oldest brother and he's been watching over her."

Cooper chuckled in response. "Well, all I can say is that it's about time. Your family is kinda slow about romance."

"True, but we know our hearts," she agreed. "I put in a request for all of next week off, too. It's a good thing I have plenty of vacation on the books. I don't want to put us behind on work, but I feel the need to be here. Will you be keeping an eye on things from your end?" she inquired softly.

"I'm here as long as you need me," he answered. "In fact, Special Agent-in-Charge Cummings already told me you have approval for the leave. It should be in your e-mail." Cooper sighed. "Hell of a way to spend your romantic vacation, Trixie."

Trixie's eyes locked with Jim's and a becoming blush bloomed across her cheeks. "Part of it has been the best, most perfectly perfect vacation I've ever taken, Cooper."

"Don't go there, Trix," he ordered. "I don't want to have to say TMI and scrub my brain out with a Brillo pad."

"Aw, come on, Cooper," Trixie laughed. "Let me tell you all about it."

Cooper groaned. "No, Trixie. I gotta go. Call if you need something and I'll see you a week from Monday."

"Thanks, Cooper," she smiled as the connection ended.

"What do you have there?" Jim asked as Trixie entered the dining room.

"Honey's graduation present," she answered, as she handed the box to her friend before taking her seat. "I had Cooper send it by courier so we'd have it this morning. I thought Honey needed a surprise."

Her best friend turned the box over in her hand as she pulled the sealing tape off. "Oh, Trixie, you shouldn't have gone to all this trouble," Honey exclaimed softly, as she removed the last of the tape.

Everyone around the table smiled as they watched Honey perk up with excitement and curiosity over the present.

She lifted the flaps on the shipping box, revealing a dark green box inside. As she took the box out, Honey flashed a grateful smile to Brian when he moved the outer box out of the way. Carefully, she opened the box and folded back the paper. "Lucy," she cried happily. "Oh my gosh, Trixie! Where did you get it?"

"What is it, Honey?" Maddie asked.

Her daughter's slim fingers worked inside the box for a few seconds before withdrawing a watch with a face about an inch and one-half wide. She held it up for everyone to see. "It's a Lucy Radcliffe watch," she exclaimed. "Trixie, where did you get it? Oh my gosh, it has a picture from The Sheep Farm Mystery for its face. That's my favorite book. It is just perfectly perfect."

Trixie smiled proudly at her friend. "I found them for sale on the internet," she explained. "When I saw them, I just had to get them."

"Them? You got more than one?" Jim asked.

Trixie raised her arm and pulled back the long sleeve of her t-shirt, then sheepishly said, "Well, of course I had to have one, too. We both love Lucy plus we are sisters. Aren't we, Honey?"

Her friend leaned over to hug Trixie. "Yes, we are. Thanks, Trix. You're the bestest."

Trixie held her friend close and whispered, "I love you, Honey Bee."

"I love you, too, Shamus," Honey whispered in reply.

Maddie ran a finger under her tear-filled eyes. "All right everyone. Let's eat. We have a lot to get done today."

"I can't believe you came here because of my call. Now why on earth would you want to do that?" Trixie teased, with a twinkle in her eyes, while she washed a plate. "I mean it's not as if it's your sister that was attacked."

"Trix," Brian growled in warning.

"Yeah, Brian," Jim continued with the taunt. "Why'd you rush here so quickly?" he asked with feigned curiosity. "I've never seen you charge across the state or even town for anyone else."

"OK, guys, you've had your fun," Brian conceded.

"Oh no, I don't think so," his best-friend retorted, smirking. "I have several lectures I need to give you." Striking a thoughtful pose, he resumed. "There's the two part series of 'don't you ever make my sister cry' and 'you better not hurt my younger sister or I'll kill you'. Followed by the wildly popular 'don't you even think about putting your filthy, rotten, no-good hands on my baby sister' lecture. And, of course, I need to make sure I do this in front of Mart, Dan and our fathers so they can all give you the glare of death and dismemberment throughout each lecture."

Giggling madly, Trixie snorted. "Jim, you can't be serious."

Running his hand around the back of his neck and blushing at the memory, Jim looked at her embarrassed. "It was like being captured by a posse and tortured," he explained. "It was awkward with your dad there," he admitted, placing his arms around her and pulling her back into his body. "The guys teased and harassed me unmercifully," he added, moving her hair off of her neck. "But I'd go through it all again with bamboo shoots under my nails to be with you," he finished, nibbling her neck directly below her ear.

A soft moan escaped from Trixie as Jim nipped at her earlobe.

"Please!" Brian exploded, his face red. "I'll take my lectures. I'll take them in front of anyone you want but I will not tolerate or endure watching you two be all lovey-dovey over each other."

Trixie and Jim looked at each other with startled eyes before breaking out in laughter. "OK, gentlemen, let's go round up the troops and get going," Trixie said walked back to the living room where the rest of the group was gathered.

"So, what's the plan for the day?" Brian asked, sitting down on the sofa next to Honey.

"Well, I've got to go into the office and transfer my files over to David and make sure he is up to date. And while I'm doing that, the rest of the gang is going to finish packing up the brownstone," Honey explained.

Wilson spoke up from the corner next to the window, "To be completely accurate, Ms. Wheeler, Chavez and I will be going with you to the office. If no one has any complaints, I'd like Dr. Belden to go with us, just in case Ms. Wheeler has any additional fainting episodes."

"Fine by me," Brian said, "I'm happy to help anyway I can."

Honey looked worried. "Are you sure? You're bound to be bored senseless."

Brian looked sideways at her. "I'm positive. Besides, I've always wanted to play lawyer."

"That's funny; I've always wanted to play doctor," she mumbled to herself and blushed furiously.

As Wilson and Carmelita escorted Honey and Brian to the office to meet David, Trixie set up her work laptop to continue researching the list of people who had contact with Honey. She methodically processed her neighbors, service providers and the people from the law office. Two hours later, she had reached the final two names, Professor Jared Baxter and David Roberts.

She rose from the chair and slowly stretched out her body. Reaching toward the ceiling, she concentrated on relaxing each muscle as she thought about the various people she had researched. No one stood out as someone who would harm or stalk Honey.

Trixie closed her eyes as the finished the final stretch of her feet up to her toes. As she reached the zenith of the stretch, two arms clamped around her and pulled her into a muscular and supple body.

"Hmmm," she purred as she snuggled into the body pressed against hers. She lifted her head and felt nibbling kisses along her lips, before they were taken in a sweet assault.

"I just came in to see if you needed a break," Jim murmured between kisses. "I was missing you terribly."

Trixie smiled as his lips moved to the curve of her jaw and she sank back down on her feet. "Best break from research I've ever taken."

Jim pulled back to look into eyes the color of sapphires. "How's it going?"

She rested her head on his chest and felt comfort from the strong beat of his heart. "I'm down to Baxter and Roberts again," she admitted. "There is just no one else that stands out so far." As she softly rubbed her hands up and down his back, she added, "I asked Cooper to see about getting access to the expunged file on Roberts while I run their backgrounds, but I haven't heard from him again."

He softly kissed her forehead. "Do you want some water or juice? You've been in here an awfully long time, baby."

She lifted her face to place a kiss on his lips. "I'd love some orange juice. I'll pay you later if you bring me some," she responded with a waggle of her sandy eyebrows.

A broad grin spread across Jim's face as her released her. "For that kind of incentive, I'd squeeze fresh oranges for you," he leered playfully as he waggled his brows in response. "I'll bring your juice then I'll go back and help Mother and Dad pack up some more of Honey's stuff for the movers." He placed a quick kiss on her lips, then hurried from the room, grinning as he thought about his reward.

Trixie returned the empty orange juice glass to the coaster as her e-mail chimed and the search engine completed the task. She switched to the mail window and saw a message from Cooper with the subject "IMPORTANT - READ IMMEDIATELY".

She hurriedly opened the message and read.

Trixie,

Attached is the expunged record for David Roberts plus a file of additional information about his family.

Third file is some information I found about Baxter, too.

Call me with instructions. I'll help in any way I can.

Cooper

The mouse clicked on one of the attachments. Trixie scanned the information and then reread it to absorb all the details. Selecting another of the files, she clicked to open it. As she read through the data, her eyes widened as she read the same paragraph over and over. The hand on the mouse trembled as she opened the remaining file. Trixie read rapidly through the text. Her body shook with the fear she suddenly felt. As she reached the first of two imbedded pictures, she grabbed up her cell phone and pressed four.

The call went directly to voice mail. She quickly ended the call and pressed six. After two rings, she heard Brian answer. "Hey, Trix. What's up?"

"Brian, I need you guys to bring Honey home right now," she instructed, gripping the phone.

"I don't understand what the rush is all about, sis," he replied. "Honey is just fine. She has an hour or two before she's done. Professor Baxter stopped by to make sure that Roberts gets all the information transferred to him. Honey wanted a latte so Wilson and I are at the coffee shop across the street while Carmelita stayed with her."

Trixie covered the mouthpiece on the phone before she yelled, "Jim! Matt! Maddie! Come here quick." She placed the Bluetooth on her ear and put the phone in her pocket. "Listen, Bri. I need you and Wilson to get back to Honey right now. She's in serious danger."

"What are you talking about, Trixie? What kind of danger?"

"I don't have time to tell you right now, Brian. Just get to Honey right now. The two of you and the PI's go into her office and lock the door and stay there until we get there," she ordered.

"But, Trix…"

"Now, Brian! We're on our way." She ended the call and picked up her laptop, as Jim entered the room followed closely by his parents, with Sherlock on their heels.

"What's happened, Trix?" Jim asked as he watched her remove her gun from the lockbox and place it on her waistband. "What's going on?" He paled when he saw Trixie's set face.

"Honey's in danger, Jim," she explained. Shoving the laptop into his hands, she ushered them toward the front door. "We need to get to her. Everyone get in Jim's SUV. I'll drive and you can look at the data Cooper just sent to my e-mail."

Leaving a barking Sherlock scratching on the inside of the brownstone's door, Trixie ushered everyone to the SUV.

Climbing into the vehicle, Trixie pushed two on her phone as she moved the seat forward. When she heard her call answered, she pulled the vehicle out onto the road and started talking immediately. "Cooper, listen, Honey is with him. Brian and Wilson went off to pick up coffee and left her with one bodyguard but in the office with both Baxter and Roberts. I may need some support here with the local PD. Do you think the SAC would grease the wheels for me?"

She listened, as she drove as fast as she dared towards Honey's office. "Great. I appreciate it." A minute passed before she spoke again. "Yeah, I'll call you as soon as we know she's OK. Thanks, Cooper."

"Trixie, tell us what is going on immediately," Matt demanded. He took Maddie's trembling hand in his. "What is going on with Honey?"

"Matt, until Brian and Wilson get back to her, Honey only has a single bodyguard between her and a killer."