Chapter 63 [Sleepy Hollow Police Department—1:00 PM]
[A/N: Since everyone was okay with White Collar, I'm trying something else here. Dave and Jennifer are going to an old veteran in the demon/witch fight (literally). "Sleepy Hollow" belongs to FOX and its copyright holders. References in this piece come from my earlier pieces "Roundabout" and "Covens". They're on and through my Story Emporium. On a holiday note, Happy Belated Solstice and Merry Christmas!]
Halfway between New York and Albany, Sleepy Hollow bustled in a manner belying its name. A few cars drove in from the farms and countryside surrounding the village. Errands pulled people to its center for a number of reasons.
And some had been around longer than others…..
Jennifer rushed down from Albany at super speed. She hated leaving Dave and Angie to face the Coven and whatever it had up its collective sleeve next. Still, she knew a couple of things. First, she could trust in her stepfather and the "Dark Uncle" to deal with whatever threats came up. Second, the couple at question were already at the farm and battening down the hatches. Last but not least, they needed allies who'd faced the current situation beforehand.
And few other than LaFontaine and herself had done so longer than the recently-revived man in that building.
Let's hope the good Captain doesn't blow my cover in here. She rolled her eyes. She ascended the stairs and entered the building. She noted the dozen or so officers buzzing about the bullpen area. Still, everyone dressed in either standard blues or twenty-first century normal clothes.
"Can I help you?" The desk sergeant, a woman with salt and pepper hair, studied her.
"Ah yes!" Jennifer smiled. "I'm Jennifer Dubois, a history professor from Greenwich State College in the City. Forgive me for showing up like this. I wondered if Ichabod Crane is here?"
The sergeant sniffed. Indignance curled her lip. "Yeah he's here. It'll be just a few minutes. He and his partner are talking with Captain Irving." She saw the door open. "You're in luck."
Two people stepped out of Irving's office. An African-American woman with long black hair came first. She straightened her dark jacket. Beside her a tall white man glanced back into the office. He'd cut his brown hair and trimmed his beard. He wore clothes closer to the current era but still resembling those of an older time.
"I'll get them." The sergeant walked toward the duo. "Lieutenant Mills?"
The aforementioned woman stopped. "Yeah? What's going on, Reed?"
"Visitor for your partner, Lieutenant." Reed motioned back toward the door. "Some professor from downstate."
"For me? Really?" Crane straightened his jacket. His eyebrow raised. His mouth twitched. His blue eyes surveyed the bullpen in turn….
…until they spied Jennifer…
Surprise widened his eyes for a heartbeat. He knew Jennifer immediately of course from her father's mercantile in Wabash's village center. He remembered her at the counter with a few of the female customers…
…when he'd ridden there to deliver Washington's orders to Dubois himself…
He collected himself. "Yes. I believe we shall see her. Follow me, Leftenant." He cleared his throat. He proceeded at a brisk pace across the floor.
Mills exchanged looks with Reed. What the Hell is this about? Who is this professor lady? Crane's acting like he saw a ghost! She set her jaw and hustled after him.
Yeah he remembers me all right. Jennifer took a deep breath. "Captain Crane, I'm Professor Dubois from Greenwich State College. How do you do?" She put her hand out.
"Of course. I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, Professor Dubois." He resisted the urge to raise her hand and kiss her knuckles. Instead he shook her hand. "You are quite a way from the City."
"We have a situation." Jennifer saw Mills approach. "And this is…?"
"Lieutenant Abbie Mills of the Sleepy Hollow Police Department. You're a history prof?" Abbie pondered their visitor.
"Yes, Lieutenant. Sorry to just drop in like this." Jennifer looked around. "Is there somewhere we can talk? Also you've been invited up north for dinner either tonight or tomorrow."
"Up north? What the Hell?" Mills narrowed her eyes.
"Yes well. I believe Captain Irving said we were free for the rest of the day. I wish to speak with the good Professor. I know of a place we can have a bit of privacy. Follow us." He started toward the door.
"Tell Captain Irving he can reach me on my cell. This could take a while." Mills led them out the door and toward her car. "Where's your car?"
"I ran down here…literally. Is there a private place where we can talk and have that coffee?" Jennifer requested. She reached into her pocket. She brought out a folded piece of rag paper. "This is for you, Captain."
"Thank you, Miss Jennifer." His eyebrow arched. "You will have to pardon my surprise in the precinct." He glanced about to make sure no eavesdroppers were in earshot. Then he unfolded the missive and skimmed it.
"Where'd you dig that up from?" Mills peered over his shoulder. "That looks like it's 200 years old!"
"I imagine it does, Leftenant." He chuckled. "Did he have this waiting for me?"
Jennifer shrugged. "He wrote that last night actually. Go ahead. It's him."
"What do you mean it's him?" Mills' eyes went wide. "Crane?"
He grinned. "Harken to this, Ladies….
Dubois Farm
Wabash, NY
March 23, 2004
To the Most Esteemed Captain Crane,
Greetings and salutations. Please pardon my inquiry. I understand that you served alongside my ancestor during the Revolution. During that time, it is said you experienced my family's darker legacy. Unfortunately that legacy has resurfaced on our Great Plains. The Coven has returned. While I am familiar with most of them, there are two, Ramensech and my Aunt Grace, that I could use your experienced insight with.
Please come to dinner on the morrow. I understand you cannot simply step away from your service with the Police Department. If there are any others coming, simply let us know. Angie and I need to have enough available.
Much as with King Arthur, it seems the world has recalled us at the time of her greatest peril. Angie and I await you. You enjoyed our ancestors' hospitality at the farm. Now it is our turn to host you.
Blessings and Good Wishes.
David J. Dubois"
He arched an eyebrow. "Ancestor? What the Devil? Mistress Jennifer, what?"
Jennifer looked around. "Let's go some place private. Then I can explain the entire situation. Lieutenant Mills, you can keep a secret?"
"It is worthy of doing so." He peered over the top of the page. "Come. Katrina will wish to speak with us about this."
"Katrina? Your wife? She's…?" Jennifer stared at him.
"Indeed. I believe it is time to drive to my home. Shall we then?" He motioned toward Mills' car.
"Yeah. I just hope Katrina can deal this." Mills shook her head. She wondered what was going to happen next.
