Chapter 7 [Starbuck's—Sleepy Hollow]
Customers bustled about the café. Coffee poured into paper cups. Snacks and Conversation were enjoyed around tables.
Or hoped to be in certain cases….
Dubois sipped on a coffee. He glanced at his watch and sighed. Twenty minutes late, Guys? He shrugged. Must be some case! He rubbed his forehead. Lightheadedness numbed parts of his scalp….
…which meant a certain alter ego was doing something on his own….
Now what? I just hope he isn't blowing something up! He shook his head. Granted he needed a break from packing clothes and his office at the county library. Dr. Sanders, his new department chair, allowed him to use an updated bibliography as an initial publication. Angie, Grace and Nyoki packed Angie's practice up in Wabash center. Now we just need to find a house in Metropolis. Wonder if Peter and Gwen want to house shop with us? He frowned at the bare bottom of his cup. Refill time! He wandered up to the counter.
The slender red head filled his cup back up. She handed it back to him and went on to the next customer.
All smiles I'm sure! He fixed his coffee and returned to the table.
The waiting game was back on….
Meantime, Abbie Mills turned into the parking lot. Tedium grated on her nerves. Paperwork proved daunting. In the latest case, she and Ichabod Crane stopped a demon from blowing up Sleepy Hollow's historic clock tower.
Moloch acted in an increasing obvert manner….
"You would think the Captain would understand." Crane tapped his fingers on the armrest.
"Hey, Crane. We do the crime. We have to do the time." She shrugged. "I hate paperwork. It's got to be done."
"Indeed! We write down notes for the filing cabinet! Meanwhile Captain Dubois lingers for an extra…my word! We are a half an hour late, Leftenant!" He shook his head.
"He'll be happy with his Starbucks. He loves this place as much as you do. Maybe he'll make some friends?" She undid her seatbelt.
"Or perhaps some rude teenager or worse will annoy him? Do you wish for Le Puer to come out? I most certainly do not." He opened his car door. Indignance stiffened his posture and sharpened the frown.
"Crane, the guy's a history professor. I think he can take a few stupid comments." She opened a door. "After killing that tree, I sure could use some caffeine."
"On that, we are in complete agreement." Crane walked up the stairs. He held the door open for his partner. "After you."
"Thanks, Crane." She allowed him his moment. Chivalry engendered Suspicion within her mind for most guys. Still, when it came to Ichabod Crane and his eighteenth-century code, she knew it to the real deal. Besides she could deal with Courtesy when presented to her. "Let's see what's on tap."
"I hope the dark roast proves truly intoxicating." He ushered her inside. His eyes surveyed the restaurant. "I see our patient friend in the corner." He waved to Dubois.
Dubois nodded and waved back. He motioned toward the counter as if to say 'get your coffee'. He took a draught of his own drink.
"See? I told you so." She sassed. "Come on. Let's think of what we want."
Crane kept his eyes trained on the signs over the coffee urns. "At least they have that blend from Sumatra today! I shan't get anything smaller than the blessed venti sized cup."
She rolled her eyes. "You do that, Crane. I'm still deciding. I want something with some more umph in it after that report."
"Then you should deliberate. I shall get my usual. Our friend awaits." Crane went to the counter.
"Yeah thanks." She studied the menu. "Yeah that mochaccino should do it." She waited behind her partner.
"Very well, Ms. Mills. A suitable choice." Crane motioned toward her. "And I will take a venti mocha..chino with extra whipped cream for my partner as well." He handed the barista his gold card. "One must always be prepared."
"Yeah you're my boy scout, Crane." Mills resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Thanks. I got you next time."
"It is quite all right." Crane accepted his coffee. "I will add what I need to. We shall look forward to your presence at our table." He stopped to put the appropriate cream and sugar in Caffeine's brew. "Professor, I must apologize for our tardiness."
"I figured it was a case. Pull up a chair, Captain. Take a load off." Dubois leaned back from his laptop. "I can't believe I'm getting back into it again."
"You deserve it, David, if anyone does. You are indeed most qualified. Metropolis University will appreciate your knowledge and skill." Crane saluted Dubois with his cup. In the six previous months, his friend had demonstrated the knowledge he'd come to expect during the Revolution.
"I'm rusty, Captain." Dubois gulped more coffee.
"Rust needs but a bit of spit and polish to come off. I believe they know that to be true. At least you do not have to catch up with 240 years of social progress…such as it is." Crane took a drink from his own cup. "I am glad you introduced me to these blends. Pike's brew is good. I enjoy the darker blends even more."
"Flavor is a good thing. Glad to be of service." Dubois allowed himself a smile. "A good turn deserves another, my Friend."
"I could not have expressed the sentiment any better. Are Dr. Dubois and you planning a fourth of July celebration?" Crane saw Mills approaching the table. "I believe she has her chocolate wonder."
"Cut it out, Crane. I'm in the mood for some serious mocha! MMM!" Mills slid in beside her partner. "You doing all right, Professor?"
"Yeah. I was just telling Captain Crane that I figured you were on a call. Maybe you might introduce him to the 21st century wonder of texting?" Dubois smirked. "I was just telling him that Angie wanted to have some friends up to the farm for the Fourth. Do you have plans?"
"Sorry but yeah I do. Maybe Crane and Katrina might be interested? We do have that weekend off, Crane." Suggestion tipped on her tone.
"I would enjoy a walk around Wabash. We did not have the chance to see the old village common on our last foray there. Katrina and I enjoyed our visits to the farm. I shall speak to her. Unless we have a conflict, I would count on our being there. We will require transportation." Crane mulled over the event. "Perhaps Angela will let us know if we might bring something?"
"She'll let you know. Trust me. Katrina's quite skilled in the kitchen," Dubois complimented.
"As are Angela and you. I wanted to ask about Mistress Grace?" Crane asked.
"Grace is adjusting. She loves her horse. She has one named Rumrunner. We have another horse named Winter. She's really shy. Angie's giving her TLC. Sometimes Grace rides her too." Dubois shook his head. "I would've preferred if Grace had a smaller school. At least Metropolis is a quality school system. Once again, Captain, I appreciate you helping her."
"It is my pleasure. She remembers me. I am cheered by her friendship and trust." Consideration and Warmth raised an eyebrow. "Experience brings hindsight. Please tell Mistress Grace I look forward to seeing her. What of the horses? Who shall care for them when you are down there?"
"We're paying the Kents for a couple of stalls, hay and feed. Lana Lang is really great with horses. Maybe she can make friends with Winter." Dubois sighed. "That is my hope." He felt his phone vibrating. "Just a minute. It's Lex Luthor." He answered it, "Lex, how are you?"
"I'm all right. We were wondering if you've seen Peter Parker. He just vanished from his room." Lex exchanged looks with Clark and Jasmine.
"Sorry, Lex. I'm sitting in Sleepy Hollow with Ichabod Crane and Abby Mills. My other half's been off doing something though." Dubois rubbed his forehead. "Just a sec." He sucked in a deep breath. You know anything about Peter? He's disappeared.
Chill shot down his spine. DON' WORRY! TELL LEXIE HE'S FINE! AH JUS' BROUGHT 'IM BACK EARLY! HE WANNA SEE HIS LITTLE WOMAN SOONER! FINE!
At least you're helping. Thanks. Dubois cleared his throat. "Lex, the Big Kid brought him home early. This is the first I heard of it too."
"I'm glad we got that cleared up. I'll call him later. Everything all right in Sleepy Hollow?" Lex knew of the spiritual activity in that area. The last thing he wanted was a Child fight with Moloch or its minions.
"I'm dealing with the usual stuff. Maybe that's why His Darkness is keeping his distance." Dubois sucked in another terse breath. He tapped his fingers. "Captain Crane can tell you what would happen if the demons around here get uppity. We don't need a war like that."
"That's why I'm concerned. At least you're with the right people. Give them my best." Lex gave Clark and Jasmine the thumbs up.
"Hey, Lex. Before you go, I was wondering what you all are doing for the Fourth? Angie was talking about doing a big picnic in our backyard. Albany has a great fireworks show. There's a concert too if anyone's interested. Seeing as it's only 45 minutes away from the farm, we were thinking of having a get together. We can get air mattresses if we need to."
Lex nodded. "I'll talk with the Kents. You can count on Miranda, Jasmine and me. Maybe Peter and Gwen would drive up? I'll talk to Harry Osborn too."
"Lex, we've got to think about beds. What will we do for folks?" Dubois rubbed his scalp.
"Let me make a few calls. Angie and you just get on that planning and…" Lex saw Clark trying to get his attention and pointing toward the phone. "Clark wants to talk."
"Hi, Mr. Dubois. I heard Lex talking and you planning. Is that at your farm? Remember Pete Ross' girlfriend, Samantha Cooper?" Clark looked at Lex and then Jasmine.
"Of course. She's going to school with you kids in the fall. Why? Is there something going on?" Dubois raised an eyebrow. He drank from his coffee.
"Pete was saying the Albany Symphony's violinist couldn't perform for the big Fourth concert. Anyway their conductor and Sam's conductor are friends. Sam's playing with them at their concert. It's kind of a surprise but maybe we can score tickets?" Clark clarified.
"You don't say? Well now! As if?" Pride warmed Dubois' mood. A big smile spread across his face. "Angie and I will definitely be on the phone. I'll talk to Lex later. Have a great one, Clark. Best to your parents and Lana. If you talk to Professor Dubois, tell her she's invited too."
"I sure will! She'll be at dinner with us tonight out here. Have a great one, Sir. See you soon!" Clark hung up.
"I say! I have not seen your face brighten so quickly!" Crane assessed. "Is it good news pray tell?"
"Come on! Spill! I'm sure in the mood for some good stuff for a change!" Mills pressed.
Dubois shook his head. "You'll find out but not yet. I've got to let Angie know first." He got up. "I'm getting one more refill. Then I have to hit the road back to Wabash. You good, Captain?"
"I believe I shall get a refill as well. How is your drink, Leftenant?" Crane checked over her cup.
"I'm great, Crane. Get your refills. I think Katrina's waiting on you too." She motioned toward the counter. Then, as the guys walked in that direction, she shook her head. What's he got up his sleeve? Whatever it is, it sounds good for a change.
Anticipation would lead to a great holiday…