Trixie and Dan climbed into his car amidst much laughter and teasing. They had been out celebrating Dan's new employment by the Sleepyside Police Department.

"I can't believe they actually hired me," exclaimed Dan. "Me, a former gang member, a non-local, a cohort of the infamous Trixie Belden," He grinned at the woman sitting next to him.

"Oh come on Dan," said Trixie as she punched him in the shoulder. "You are the best to come along. As for being one of my cohorts...," Trixie tossed her head, "they should be so lucky!"

"Watch that punching stuff, Trix." warned Dan. "That could be construed as assaulting a police officer."

The two looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"Where to now, Officer Mangan," queried Trixie.

"Submarine races," Dan replied as he and Trixie waggled their eyebrows at each other.

Dan drove aimlessly around Sleepyside while he and Trixie talked about the police force and his upcoming responsibilities.

"I'm so jealous of you," remarked Trixie.

"Hey, your day is right around the corner," said Dan as he made a quick right turn.

Trixie sat up and looked around expectantly. "Well then, where is it," she demanded as she erupted into a fit of giggles. Dan laughed and shook his head at her.

The two continued to ride and chat. After a bit, Dan pulled into a parking spot near the pond in the Sleepyside Metro Park.

"Dan, why are you stopping," grinned Trixie as she batted her eyelashes at him.

"I think you know," he replied as he leaned forward and gathered her into his arms. Their lips met and the passion between them burst forth. Totally lost in each other, they were startled by a sharp rapping on the driver's side window. Looking up, Dan grimaced as he recognized Sergeant Molinson's waiting figure.

"Great," mumbled Dan as he rolled down his window.

"Mangan, I mean Officer Mangan," said a gloating Molinson, "Shouldn't you take your activities elsewhere?"

"Yes, sir," replied Dan hastily.

As Dan pulled away from the park, Trixie could not contain her laughter. Once out of earshot of Sergeant Molinson, Dan joined in.