A/N: Sorry for delayed update! To make up for it I am going to post two chapetrs tonight.

Chapter Five

Tuesday, 10 AM
Sleepyside High

Bobby watched as the four boys retreated into an empty corner of the schoolyard. There weren't many doubts in his mind as to what they were up to. He had been watching them and some others for a few days, and he had a feeling this particular group could help him in his mission.

Taking a deep breath, Bobby buried his hands in his pockets and walked over to where the teenagers were standing. One of them noticed him and nudged one of the others, who hid something his coat's pocket.

"Hi," he said, trying to play it 'cool'. "What's up?"

"You tell us, Belden. What do you want?" The boy who spoke seemed to be the leader of the bunch. His name was Darryl Warren and Bobby had known him for a long time, though they had never been close. Darryl was a known troublemaker ever since grade school, but the others… The others were old playmates, whom Bobby had never expected to see getting into serious trouble. But their activities were fairly obvious right now. It gets everywhere, to just about anyone, he thought, with a shiver. And that made him even surer he had to get to the bottom of this.

"Hey, cool it!" Bobby smiled, trying to hide his nervousness. "I'm just trying to be friendly."

"Right," Darryl took a step towards him, noticeably suspicious. "Come on, Belden. You always hang out with the A crowd. Have you grown tired of it?"

He nodded and smirked. "Yeah, I guess I did! Guess it's getting monotonous! I want to add some… amusement to my life. And the word is you guys know where to get it."

The boys exchanged glances. "You want to hang with us? Even with all that community work mumbo jumbo you're into?" Darryl was really making it hard.

"Guess I'm not really into that… But with a brother and a sister working here it's kinda hard to go to where the fun is." With that, Bobby grinned and winked at him, as if they shared a secret.

Darryl seemed to think for a minute and then said, "Ok then. You can hang out with us… But there's an initiation ritual, so to speak." The other boys chuckled at his words and Bobby gulped. He had a pretty clear idea of what he was talking about. And all his doubts disappeared when the boy who had hidden something in his pocket took out a small cigarette and lighted it. He passed it on to Darryl who gave it to Bobby. The shape, size and smell of the cigarette didn't leave much space to wonder what kind it was. And Bobby knew this was a test he had to pass.

Taking a deep breath, Bobby took it from him.

"Let's go, Bobby. Let the fun start, man! Just say no… to the monotonous days!" There was an ironic expression in Darryl's face as he spoke.

There was no turning back now. But as Bobby brought the cigarette to his lips, he heard a voice calling him from across the yard. Turning around he saw Annie walking up to him, with a frown.

"Later, man!" Darryl said as he took the joint away from Bobby and disappeared around the corner, followed by the others.

"Annie, what the hell are you thinking?" Bobby asked, angrily.

"What am I thinking? What about you?" Annie was mad. "You were going to smoke that crap! I was watching you!"

"I had to! They were testing me!"

"So you were going to try drugs! Are you crazy?"

"It was just one smoke, Annie!"

"What about the next time? What about if they decided to test you even further?"

This time, Bobby didn't have an answer. He knew she was right. "I have to do this, Annie. We have to get to the bottom of this!"

Annie looked on the verge of tears. "I hated this idea from the start. I have a bad feeling about it! Please, Bobby, give it up!"

"I can't." Bobby suddenly realized he was talking too loud. Janet Martin was staring at them from across the yard. He held her gaze for a moment, but he was too worried about Annie's reaction to wonder about it. So he merely lowered his voice. "I have to bail you out!"

At the sound of his words, tears streamed down her face. "I already lost one best friend. I don't want to lose you too." Annie threw her arms around his neck and held him tight. "Don't do this, Bobby."

Bobby's heart melted. He pulled her closer to him and whispered in her ear, "You aren't ever going to lose me, you goose! I'll be careful, I promise."

Annie didn't answer. But in her chest her heart was heavy. She just held him closer.

The young boy smiled and enjoyed the feeling, despite the seriousness of the subject. His eyes drifted across the yard, and he noticed the attractive Biology teacher kept on watching them. His heart was pounding in his chest at the thought she might have heard his talk with Annie. If Janet Martin or any of the other teachers thought he was involved in the case, he might be in trouble. And if he revealed his undercover assignment to defend himself, he would ruin Annie's only chance and probably get Trixie and Mart in trouble too.

But then Janet walked away, and Bobby's breathing returned to normal. He was off the hook, at least for the moment.

Around Noon
White Plains Social Services Office

Joeanne rubbed her temples. It wasn't even lunchtime and it was already an awful day. She had hardly slept for the past two nights, her boss was bugging her about Annie's case and she had just returned from visiting a family living on the verge of misery, with four skinny, malnourished children, a sick mother and an unemployed father with an alcohol problem. Nothing she hadn't seen before, but the last thing she wanted to see today. She was already in a bad mood and the fact that she knew she would have to describe the situation to the Services only made it worse. Why had she taken this job? Oh right, to help people! Was taking children away from their mother helping? She groaned. Things weren't that simple and she knew it, but today she just couldn't cope with it.

"Joeanne… Joeanne!" She started at the sound and looked up. Susan, one of her co-workers, had apparently been trying to get her attention for some time.

"Oh, Susan… I'm sorry! Is there something wrong?" She asked, sighing.

Susan folded her arms and smiled. "You tell me. There's one gorgeous man asking for you. He says he's Annie Dugan's attorney."

Joeanne's jaw dropped. Annie had a lawyer? But why? Molinson had pressed charges? Suddenly, she got it. It could only be one person. Feeling as if her legs had suddenly turned to jelly, she got up and walked to the lobby. There he was, wearing a suit and tie. What was he up to?

"You know it's a crime to impersonate an attorney? As far as I know you haven't taken the bar exam yet," she said as she walked up to him, feeling the need to be defiant.

Dan grinned. "And a good day to you too!"

She exhaled and closed her eyes for a few seconds. "I'm sorry. Hi, good morning. This hasn't been an easy day and the last thing I needed right now was bad news about Annie." She rewarded him with a smile.

"That's ok. I just said that because I didn't want to get you in trouble." There was a mischievous sparkle in his eyes.

Now she was even more confused. "Get me in trouble? What are you talking about?"

His smile broadened, lighting his tanned face. "I'm taking you out for a picnic and it may take a little longer than your average lunch hour."

"You're what?" Joeanne shook her head, trying to figure out whether she had heard him right. "A picnic?"

Dan's smile broadened. "Yes, but you better lower your voice. I even dressed up to make this seem professional! Don't give us away!"

She sighed. "Look, Dan. Thanks, but I have a lot of work to do. This hasn't been an easy day."

"Yeah, but you do have to eat. Come on, it won't take that long." Something in Dan's voice made her falter. She really needed a break. Finally she gave in.

"Ok, then. Let me get my purse," she said, avoiding his eyes. There were alarm bells ringing in her mind, but for once she ignored them.

Dan stepped outside as he waited for her, feeling completely out of breath. He had tried to play it cool but the effort drained him. This idea had brewed in his mind since Sunday, and he had wondered if he ever had the nerve to pull it through. He had, and now he knew there was no turning back. How had it gone from simply wanting to help Joeanne out to… this? Ever since the barbecue at Crabapple Farm, Joeanne seemed to be permanently in his thoughts. He smiled and shook his head as he hardly believed it himself. She was aggravating, infuriating, bitter and too damned touchy. But as he managed to dig further into her shell he discovered she was someone very special, the kind of person worth getting to know better. He didn't know that many people that would just put their lives on hold for the sake of others or suffer immense pain without complaining. Yet, Joeanne did and it fascinated him, making him want to let her know he was there for her, whenever she needed it. And besides that, she was gorgeous.

"I'm ready." Joeanne said, startling him. He felt his cheeks growing hot, as he remembered the course his thoughts had taken.

"Oh, ok… Let's go then!" He said, hoping she wouldn't notice his embarrassment as he led her to the Jeep parked on the other side of the street.

"Isn't this Jim's car?" Joeanne asked.

Dan chuckled. "Yeah…I borrowed it. I hate cars and I never could bring myself to buy one."

"You hate cars? You, the city boy?" Joeanne seemed incredulous.

Her remark gave him the perfect opportunity to tease her. "So, there are things you don't know after all." He had the pleasure of seeing her blush. "Well, let's go then. Off to our picnic. I'll just get rid of this tie." Dan untied the knot of the tie, threw it on the back seat and undid the first two buttons of the shirt. Joeanne watched him in silence, still trying to figure out what on earth he was up to.

"Where exactly are we going?" she finally asked, as they drove away from the downtown area.

"Far enough for us no one to notice our little white lie…to the new Sleepyside park, actually. But I couldn't just go waltzing in with a picnic basket and saying I needed your help on a case, right?"

The smile on Dan's face was irresistible enough for Joeanne to let out a short laugh. "And just why did you decide to take me out on a picnic? It could rain, you know?"

"Hey, don't jinx it. It won't rain. And I thought it would be fun, you know, just you and me and the ants." He glanced at her sideways. "Is it that hard to believe that I like spending time with you?"

"Actually, yes, it is." Joeanne sighed.

"Well, you better get used to it." Dan's tone left no space for an argument and Joeanne wasn't up to it either. But her pounding heart told her she could very well get used to it. And fast.

A few minutes later, Dan parked the car near the park. It had been built in a new, modern part of Sleepyside, mostly composed of residential areas. The park was an open, sunny place, with extensive lawns and an artificial pond. There were mainly children there, accompanied by young mothers or nannies and some elderly people sitting on the benches, and happily enjoying the early spring days.

"This is nice," Joeanne said as she looked around her. She couldn't help the strange longing in her heart as she watched a blonde young woman playing with her baby on the grass.

Dan followed her eyes and then looked back at her. The look in her eyes left no doubt as to what was going on in her mind. And he couldn't help a few images coming up in his own mind. Uh-oh, man, he thought, Stop it! Your imagination is running away with you.

Having trouble erasing the pictures completely, Dan walked to the back of the car and took the picnic basket out of the trunk. Miss Trask had always been a wonderful friend and hadn't asked any questions when he had asked for that small favor. She had merely smiled. Of course he could have asked Mrs. Belden but then he was sure Mart would find out all about it. And wouldn't that be fun? he thought with a grin as he and Joeanne walked towards a sunny spot, away from the more crowded areas.

"You even brought the blanket," Joeanne noticed.

"Sure. Do you think I want grass stains all over my suit?" There was a playful glint in his eyes. Dan unfolded the checkered blanket and spread it on the grass. Joeanne sat down and peeked into the basket.

"You didn't cook all this, did you?" she asked with a frown.

"I could have, you know? Mr Maypenny taught me well." He sat down beside her, resting his elbow on his bent knee. "But I didn't. Let's just say I have friends in high places."

"From the monogram on this napkin I'd say that place is Manor House. That's high all right." Joeanne chuckled.

He was happy to see the merry look on her face. "Sure is! That hill is really steep! Just try to ride a bike uphill."

She smiled and picked up a sandwich. There was a very becoming shade of pink on her cheeks.

"It's nice to see you in a good mood," he stated.

"I shouldn't be, you know? My boss has been all over me about Annie, and I have other difficult cases on my hands." A sudden shadow clouded her eyes.

"And how is Annie's case?" He asked, in a more serious attitude.

She shrugged her shoulders.

"Stopped, for the time being. That's what's bugging my boss. She says we can't let this go much further. But since the police never pressed charges, there's nothing we can do. If they do… Well, then Annie will be in trouble."

"They would stop the adoption process?"

"Yes, at least until the court's decision. Depending on it she might even end up in a correctional facility."

"That would destroy her…" Dan couldn't even imagine it.

"Dan, believe me, I'll do everything I can to help her!" To his surprise, along with her passionate statement, she reached out and grabbed his hand.

Surprised, but pleased, he squeezed it back. "I know. That's why you're so good at what you do. I heard you already had some kind of commendation for your exceptional work, in spite of being in the Social Services for such a short while."

She blushed. "I was only doing what I'm supposed to do. But I am scared for Annie. I just hope you guys can come up with something." The subject diversion didn't escape him and he didn't try to push her further.

"We're trying. In fact, I'm worried about it…" Dan sighed. "Bobby went undercover, to see if can infiltrate the gang."

"That's incredibly dangerous… and foolish." Joeanne frowned.

"Tell me about it. But the thing is we really didn't know what else to do. And we had to do something fast."

"But that might get Bobby into trouble too." The young woman seemed genuinely concerned.

"I know it's risky, but I trust the kid. He knows best."

Joeanne's face turned serious. "I thought that same thing once too."

He gulped. Slowly he reached out to brush back a lock of her hair. "You did your best. And that's what we're trying to do too. We're on the look out. Besides, you're with us now, and we can benefit from your experience…as awful as this may sound." Dan drew back his hand and waited for an answer. He really hoped she wouldn't misunderstand this time. As he watched her, he saw her face go from her usual defensive expression to confusion and hesitation.

"Jo?" He asked after a few moment's silence.

Finally, she looked up at him. "I want to ask you something, Dan…"

He cleared his throat, suddenly nervous. "Go for it."

"Why are you doing all this? I mean, taking me out, making friends with me, wanting me to share my problems with you… What does this all mean? Are you just trying to… benefit from my experience," she pronounced the words with irony. "Or do you, for some reason I can't understand, really enjoy my company?"

Dan bit his lip. One wrong word and she might run away for good. But his wildly beating heart was making it hard for him to think straight. Swallowing hard, he moved closer to her and held her hand in his own, trying to find the courage to look up at her. When he did, he saw that she was holding back her tears. And when he spoke there was more emotion in his voice than he expected. "Joeanne, there are many things that I don't understand either, but I don't really try to find a reason for them. All I know is that I feel good when I'm with you and I wish you'd feel the same way. Your sister and Annie's situation have nothing to do with it. Please believe me, Jo."

"I'm trying to… It's just I've never been very good in trusting people."

He squeezed her hand. "You can trust me."

She smiled, shyly. "I think I'm beginning to."

Dan suddenly found himself at a loss for words. But before he even had time to speak, a voice behind him made him start.

"Joeanne?"

The young woman looked up, beyond Dan and her eyes widened in amazement as she drew her hand back from his. "Dad?" Dad, hi! I wasn't… What are doing around here?"

Oh, Lord! This can't be happening! was the thought in Dan's mind as he quickly got up and turned to see John Darnell for the very first time.

The man standing in front of him was a tall, lean man, his shoulders a little hunched from hard work and a lot of trouble. There were deep lines all across a prematurely aged face, framed by a thick mane of grayish air. But his eyes were still as dark and as piercing as his daughter's. And right now they were fixed right into Dan's own eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Dan held his gaze and waited for Joeanne to introduce them.

"Dad…This is Dan Mangan." Joeanne said, not even expecting her father to answer her question, as she walked towards him to greet him. "He's a friend of Jim Frayne's."

"Ah!" John Darnell's expression seemed to lighten up and he took a step towards Dan, holding out his hand. "Pleased to meet you."

Sighing in relief, Dan reached out and shook the older man's hand, with a smile. Silently, he thanked the heavens above for Jim's reputation. "The pleasure is all mine. I was looking forward to meeting you, after hearing so much about you, sir."

"Well, I would like to say I had heard about you too, but by now you must know my daughter keeps a lot to herself." There was a playful twinkle in the man's eyes.

"Dan and I are working on a case together… He works for the DA's office." Joeanne's rush to explain herself didn't escape Dan. Or John Darnell.

"I see," the man smiled, knowingly. "This park is a nice place, isn't it?" He asked.

"Yes, but… What are you doing here, Dad?" She asked again, trying to change the subject.

"I'm working here, honey. It's a new contract, right across the park, in that construction site." John Darnell pointed at a spot near by. "We're building a few more houses. People are looking for places like this more and more. Young families mainly. It's a nice place to live."

"I couldn't agree more. As a matter of fact, Honey Wheeler and Brian Belden are moving here, after they get married" Dan said, trying to have his share in the conversation. "Places like this are havens."

"You're right, son, they are. And once all of Sleepyside was a haven too…" Dan saw the shadow clouding the man's eyes.

"It still is, Dad." Joeanne's voice sounded tense and cold.

Her father patted her shoulder and then asked, "And how is your friend Jim, Mr Mangan? Haven't seen him in a while. Or any of the girls."

"Oh, please, call me Dan. They're fine."

"They're nice kids. Tell them I said hello. Well, sweetie, I have to go." John Darnell bent to quickly kiss his daughter on the top of her head. "Enjoy your picnic." He started to walk away, but then stopped and turned back to them. "Why don't you come over to the farm for dinner on Thursday, Dan? Joeanne's coming over and it would be nice to have a new face around."

"Dad, I'm sure Dan has better things to do than attending family dinners." Joeanne blushed to the root of her hair.

"Oh, I'd love to go!" Dan knew he had sounded a bit too eager, but he couldn't stop himself.

John Darnell smiled. "That's settled, then. See you then." And he walked away, leaving Dan and Joeanne awkwardly staring at each other.

"You could have just said you had other plans, you know." Joeanne lowered her eyes, her cheeks still flushed.

"But I don't. And I really would like to go…if it's ok with you, that is." Dan gazed at her, expectantly.

She looked back up at him, apparently finding it hard to believe what he'd just said. "My dad's place is not exactly Crabapple Farm, you know?"

Dan grinned. "Well, I still think my favourite place in the world was Mr. Maypenny's old cottage in the woods. I'm sure you can't beat that."

Joeanne smiled too, despite her obvious discomfort. "Well, you won't be able to say I didn't warn you."

Chuckling, Dan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and walked her back to the blanket.

2 PM

Sleepyside Police Station

"Believe me, Trixie, when I say I'd love to throw Jonesy back in jail. But I can't do it!" Captain Molinson paced his office, his brow furrowed.

"Trespassing is a crime, Captain." Trixie said, folding her arms across her chest.

"Yes, but we don't have proof it was him."

"Bobby saw him. And there were the cigarette butts and the graffiti…"

"Bobby thinks he saw him. And there are plenty of people, I'm sure, smoking that particular brand of cigarettes… The graffiti is vandalism, but we have no proof it was him."

"So what do you suggest? We just stand around and wait for him to do something serious?" Trixie's temper was about to burst.

Molinson turned to the young woman and sighed. "Trixie, I'll keep an eye on him. That's all I can do right now. Just try to stay out of his way in the meantime. And don't go looking for trouble!"

Trixie moaned and ran her fingers through her hair. "Captain, I think he'll do everything to keep us in his way!"

He nodded. "I think you're right. But it's the best we can do right now. Just tell that red-headed boyfriend of yours to keep his temper to himself."

Trixie's eyes widened. I'm praying he does, Captain, she thought, I'm praying really hard.

"And have you kids made any progress with the drug case?" Molinson rubbed his forehead. "I can hardly believe I'm asking this… I'm actually going to Trixie Belden for help!"

Despite the seriousness of the conversation, Trixie couldn't help a smile. "This really is an event, Captain."

Molinson cleared his throat. "Anyway, have you any leads?"

She shook her head. "Unfortunately no. But we're working on it."

"I'm not even going to ask what you're up to. It's best that I don't know. And remember the only reason I want your help is because the kids won't talk to the police. I just advise you to always make sure Annie is not left by herself. If someone is trying to frame her, it will be harder to do something against her if she has witnesses to her actions."

"We'll make sure of that, sir."

"Trix, I'm doing my best here, but the pressure for results is rising. The mayor needs a culprit. He's been selling Sleepyside as a haven to bring new people in and this can ruin it for him. I'll need something soon or Annie will be in trouble."

"I know. We'll do everything we can." Trixie got up to leave, but then changed her mind and turned back at the police officer. "Captain, thank you for trusting us. It means a lot to me… To all of us, especially to Annie."

Molinson tried to sound carefree, but Trixie could hear the emotion in his voice. "Well, kid, after a while you kind of grow on people. And the years have taught me you're a good judge of character. Go on, get out of here. Go get us some leads."

When Trixie left the police station, her heart was heavy. So much was going on, so much was going so terribly wrong! It shouldn't be like this. Everyone should be concentrating on Honey and Brian's wedding and not on all these problems! Jonesy was back in town, Annie was under suspicion of drug dealing, Bobby was getting himself in danger… It was just too much! Besides, Trixie feared she was neglecting her duties as Honey's best friend and bride's maid. Sighing, she ran her finger through her silky curls and headed for Wimpy's, where she was supposed to meet Jim for lunch.

Immersed in her thoughts, Trixie was completely distracted as she walked down the street. But as she turned a corner, she suddenly bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry…" was her automatic apology, even before she looked up. When she did, her heart skipped a beat. The blond man standing in front of her was gazing at her, a strange, menacing expression in his eyes. Small, narrow eyes that struck a chord of remembrance deep within her. But she couldn't quite put a finger on it. "I'm sorry," she repeated, trying hard to understand what was so familiar about the skinny man.

Clenching his teeth, as if to stop himself from answering her, the man walked away without a word. Trixie stood there watching him for a few moments, frowning, but then resumed her walk. There was too much going on to worry about the man's rudeness.

2:30 PM
Sleepyside High

"Robert! Robert Belden!"

Bobby startled at the sound of his name. Only one of his teachers insisted on using his full name. So when he turned to face Janet Martin, he already had a pretty good idea what this was about.

"Robert, I was wondering if you have a minute?" The blonde teacher smiled at him.

"Sure. Did I do something wrong?" The boy asked, a little nervous.

"Oh no!" She laughed. "You've always been such a good boy!" Wrapping an arm around his shoulders, Janet led him away from the crowd. "But I have been worried about you."

"Why?" Bobby glanced sideways at her. Something in her tone was making his skin crawl. Don't be a baby, he scolded himself. She's just trying to figure out why Annie was so worked up.

"Well, I've noticed you hardly relate to your class mates. You spend every minute with Annie Dugan or the Lynch twins."

"They're my closest friends." Bobby shrugged, wondering what she was trying to get at.

"Yes, I understand." Janet stopped and turned to him, patting his arm. "I just think maybe you should expand your horizons. Meet other people, go places. Such an intelligent, handsome boy like you deserves to know the world, to experience things." Bobby could swear he saw her eyes glimmer.

"But I do that. We have lots of activities. We go riding, swimming, we do community work…"

"Who are we?" Janet interrupted him. "Your brothers and sister? That club of yours?" She placed her hands on his shoulders. "It's ok to be different from your brothers. To want other things. Just think about it! And if you need to talk you can come to me. Just to talk… Or if you feel you need anything else." With that she walked away, leaving Bobby standing there, with his mouth hanging open, not really knowing what to think.

6:30 PM
Sleepyside High Parking Lot

"Come on, Mart!" Trixie exclaimed as she looked back to her brother. "It's late as it is."

"Where's the fire, Trix?" Mart grinned. "You had lunch with Jim, you can't be missing him that much!"

She made a face at him. "As if you don't spend every free moment with Diana. Dad's even said something about letting your room for rent. After fumigating it, of course."

He pinched her arm, playfully. "Very funny, sis, very funny! Let's go then, I'm hungry!"

Trixie and Mart had been working late that day. Actually, Trixie just needed some time alone to think and since Mart was staying in school a while longer to grade some papers, she had decided to wait for him.

"I wonder if there will be anything left to eat when we get home," Mart said, mocking true concern. His profound interest in food was a known mark of his character.

"Mart, Moms always cooks as if for a whole regiment. There'll be plenty left for…" Trixie suddenly stopped talking and froze in her steps.

"Hey, weren't you in a hurry?" Mart stopped to turn to his sister and frowned as he saw her expression. Following her eyes, he saw two people standing and talking in a secluded area of the parking lot.

Walking back to where Trixie was standing, Mart asked: "What's up?"

"I'm not sure…" Trixie rubbed her nose. "Isn't that Janet Martin?"

Mart looked more attentively at the pair and nodded. "Yes, I believe it is. And who's that with her? Her boyfriend?"

His sister shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe. The thing is I think I saw that guy earlier today."

Mart groaned. "Oh, and I'm sure there must be something very mysterious about him!"

Trixie glared at him and punched his shoulder. "No, you idiot! There is something familiar about him! I've seen him before! Before today I mean… I just can't figure out where."

"So?"

She moaned in despair and pulled him down the front steps of the building. "Oh, forget it. Let's grab some dinner!"