This is the Prologue! The books never say how old Dan is, or what he did in the gang to get caught. So I made up some things. If I ever make more Trixie Belden fanfiction I probably will have it in a Universe, so in my Universe, Dan's birthday is the third of February. And he was caught being a lookout for the Cowhands. Hope You Enjoy!!!
Prologue
Fifteen year old Dan Mangan sat against the wall, on the floor, resting his head on his knees. He was in a cell in juvenile detention. He raised his head, looking around the bare, grey cell, the same way he had for the past month. He jumped when the guard banged on the cell door, but otherwise made no move, and the door opened, and his social worker, Esther Kingston, stepped in. The kind older woman moved towards his cot, and looked at him in concern.
"Dan, how are you doing?" Her voice was worried. Dan lifted his head to look at her.
"Same as normal I guess. And you?" He watched as the social worker took in his appearance, and shrugged to him self.
"I'm doing well. But I have a feeling that you aren't doing as well as you say you are. You seem to be thinner than last time."
Dan slowly got to his feet, and move to the cot to sit next to Mrs. Kingston, "I haven't been able to eat much. The food's nasty, and it won't stay down."
The older woman frowned, then studied him some more then gave him a gentle smile. "The nasty food will change soon. We've be able to contact your uncle, on your mother's side. He's agreed to take you in for a time, and see how it will work out." She took out a folder from her purse. "There will be some rules. You'll not be staying with your uncle. His name is Bill Regan. He works for a rich family named the Wheeler's. There is another family near by, the Belden's, they are a farming family, nowhere near as rich as the Wheeler's. Both the family's have children your age, but your uncle says they are very sheltered. He's a groom for the Wheeler's and he lives above the garage. He says that with his job he cant be expected to care for you." She hesitated, watching him closely
Dan blinked, Mrs. Kingston's words hitting him in his gut. He could see why the social worker's tone was wary and guarded. He sighed, and nodded for her to continue.
"You'll be staying at a older gentleman's home, and help him with his job. He's a game keeper." She looked over at Dan, "You're to keep the fact that you're related to Bill Regan a secret, and you're to go to school every day, and stay out of trouble."
Dan let out a sigh, and flopped on the bed, his head smacking the wall soundly. He gave a low moan, and curled up, gripping his head, while Mrs. Kingston began rubbing his back. She gently removed his hands, then after making shur he was fine, she herself leaned back against the wall. Dan stayed curled up, silently trying to keep his emotions in check. After several minuets Mrs. Kingston sighed and stood up, resting a hand on Dan's back.
"Your uncle is coming tomorrow. He'll bring you back to his home, and leave you with the older man."
Just before Mrs. Kingston left, she turned to Dan, "Happy Fifteenth Birthday, Dan."
Dan stayed silent, waiting for Mrs. Kingston to leave, before he uncurled, and sat up, leaning against the wall, head on his knees.