Chapter 27

[Sleepy Hollow Police Station—Two Hours Later]

Fresh off of the shared blissful feast and hurried preparations on Ichabod's part, the Witnesses walked into the precinct guardedly. Given the events in Eagle Plain, they had no idea what to expect within those doors. Finding nothing seemingly out of sorts, they made their way over to her desk and took their usual seats.

"I almost expected some of the FBI boys here after that mess," Abbie presumed.

"Do not wish for trouble where there is none, Ms. Mills. I certainly would not where Captain Dubois is concerned," Ichabod gently corrected her. Still his eyes shot this way and that. "We do need to speak on the other matter at some point."

"Yeah that hooded person. Love to know who it is," she replied tersely while shooting him an anxious look.

"I cannot be sure of exactly who. However the specter serves the fire demon. The robes match those of its cult." He bit his lip while recalling the scene at Saratoga once again….

…while seeing Grace dealing with Moloch and challenging her grandfather's alter ego….

…while dealing with another blurred scene in his head….Sounds of dogs snarling, a sarcastic laughing and the Scream of Dubois' demonic alter ego banged at his ears like cymbals.

"Crane? Crane, what is it?" she wondered. She rubbed his shoulder supportively. "You're remembering something? More of the Revolution?"

"Yes. I know there was one more mission that General Washington sent me on where Dubois was concerned. It's so unclear." He rose from his chair and absently walked over to the water cooler. Much as he'd seen others do, he took one of the small paper cups from its dispenser and pushed the button to fill it with water.

She got up and walked over to him. Occasionally he'd get like this but those instances were increasingly infrequent. But she knew that if Washington sent her partner to accompany their previous day's host into some hell, it must have been something truly horrible to behold. "Deep breaths, Crane. Don't fall over on me now."

After draining a refilled cup, Ichabod exhaled a deep pained breath. "I shan't. Thank you though." He saw Irving coming toward them. "Good morning, Captain. It's a pleasure to see you reinstated."

"Thanks, Crane. I really appreciate that. My family's okay and everything's back on track. We all have a lot to be grateful for." Irving allowed them a few heartbeats to take in the gratitude and set their thoughts in order. "I need you both in my office though."

Damn. Here it comes. "Captain, maybe we can give Crane a minute? He's having some sort of flashback," Abbie interceded.

Irving nodded in understanding. "Maybe what I have in mind might help, Mills. Follow me. I just have questions." He motioned for them to follow them.

"Let us hear what he has to say," Ichabod noted. Maybe he was hurting but he wouldn't put on a display for the precinct. He straightened himself slowly and headed toward the captain's office in an example of British stiff upper lip.

Besides Irving was right. The mess at hand wasn't over. On the contrary, it was growing.

Abbie followed her partner and kept a careful eye on him. "It's okay, Crane."

"Depends on what you're referring to, Leftenant," Ichabod insisted. He rapped on Irving's door. "Captain?"

"Yeah come in," Irving called as he opened the door for the Witnesses. He ushered them inside and shut the door. "Take a seat." He rubbed his own forehead while sitting down behind his desk.

"How is your family this morning?" Ichabod queried.

"Cynthia and Miley are great. Thanks, Crane, for asking." Irving smiled at the former revolutionary. "I'd say you're dealing with some heavy garbage after the past week too. Wabash brought back memories, didn't it?"

"I'm dealing with it." Ichabod glanced at both of them. "Perhaps this is a different century but the players remain the same on the board. The game remains as high stakes now as it was in my native time, Captain."

"And Dubois? Got to say it was a trip having dinner with folks after visiting their gravesites." Irving frowned. "Wish I knew how they did it. Time travel? Damn."

"Must be some ride," Abbie concurred. "Wish he weren't so freaky though."

"Yeah try seeing that fiery thing he turned into up close and personal. At least it kicked Moloch away from us," Irving recounted. "By the way, I just heard from Eagle Plain. The bailiff called me. Apparently the courtroom looks like new. Not a trace of the damage or the fight outside. That's some trick."

"Seriously?" Abbie glanced at Ichabod who shrugged. "Crane?"

"Magic is a powerful ally. There are others out there, Captain, who agree with you. Do not leave things undone to provoke panic. It is the reason why most of Moloch's history is not relayed by the modern chronicles. You two don't know everything. There's a reason for that," Ichabod advised pointedly.

"And you do?" Irving asked incredulously. "Crane, what's the deal with Dubois? You knew him back then."

"Yes I did." Ichabod rubbed his hands together. "There are those around him and me both who shroud the truth for the Greater Good. I have been to where he was raised. He calls the place 'Dante's Dark Wood on Earth'. I concur. The dark robed ghost we saw in Wabash yesterday is one of the beings from that place. As you learned yesterday, there are other demons beside Moloch who are out there. We must be careful." He stared out the window out onto the precinct floor and the cops therein. "They can never know."

"The fun never stops," Abbie lamented with a bit of sarcasm. "So what happened with the horsemen? We trapped Parrish in Purgatory but the others just disappeared."

"Moloch took them somewhere, Ms. Mills. We shall see them again," Ichabod assumed. "Meantime we have achieved a breather of sorts. I suggest we take it."

"Well Dubois himself has a mission for you," Irving noted. He handed Ichabod a folded piece of paper. "Although it might be as lethal."

"Thank you. I doubt that but we'll see." Ichabod unfolded the paper and studied its contents. A smile creased his features. "That sounds like him."

"What is it, Crane?" Abbie wondered.

"An invitation. Listen…." Ichabod started to read:

"Dear Captain Crane,

Greetings on this fine morning. Please accept my gratitude for your assistance in Eagle Plain. It is a welcome pleasure to know there are those who can help in the bigger battle. In my life, there are not many who can both accept the mantle and carry it with the dignity that you and your friends do. I wish I knew more of what happened but I know you all did great. I appreciate it.

I was hoping that you could return to Eagle Plain and guest lecture for my class at the college here. I'd introduce you as a visiting professor so as not to expose you. It would be on the Revolution. Given what you know about George Washington and the Continental Army, it would be very insightful. Of course Angie insists on having you and Katrina for a fine meal afterwards.

I do not know why but the Child seems to trust you. Given how he usually is, I want to foster this collaboration on all levels. For some reason you seem familiar but I don't know how. Wish I did. Maybe some day I will find out.

Looking forward to your response. Best regards from Jennifer, Angie, Nyoki and Brother Tony as well.

Sincerely Yours,

David Dubois, Ph. D. "

"Wow. A chance to strut your stuff. You made quite an impression, Crane. Nice," Abbie assessed. She wanted to ask about the Child but decided not to. "We making another road trip then?"

"Captain?" Ichabod queried.

Irving shrugged. "I'm not turning down any allies in this fight, Crane. Share what you know with some discretion. I'll pass on this trip but I'll want the full report when you get back. Got it?"

"I understand. Thank you," Ichabod accepted graciously. "I'm sure Katrina would like a visit with our friends as well." He stood quickly. "Shall we, Ms. Mills? I wish to consult the library."

She glanced at the two men. Now what? "Captain?"

"It's okay. Remember though, keep me in the loop. That's all. Remember to reply to Dubois' invite and let me know when you both will be heading upstate again. Thanks," Irving concluded.

As they left, she inquired curiously, "So what's brewing now?"

"Hopefully just an inspiring lecture and some time with friends. Let us buy lunch and a Starbuck's. Then we'll go into that," Ichabod noted while heading for the front door.

Abbie followed closely wondering what he was about to reveal now.

The fun, it seemed, never did stop…..