Chapter 3

Abbie and Ichabod arrived at the county medical examiner's office where Captain Jones was waiting. The pair looked forward to finally getting some answers about their new case. Abbie parked the car in the closest available spot and quickly picked up her notebook.

"Leftenant, what do you think Captain Jones found that warranted us being here at 6:30am," Ichabod scoffed.

"I don't know. Hopefully we get more answers instead of more questions," she said as she exited the SUV.

The witnesses entered the room where Captain Jones, Dr. Yang, and the victim were waiting. This would be Ichabod's first time in a modern morgue. Sure he had seen countless corpses on the battlefield, but this was different. The room was cold and sterile, and the lighting was almost blinding.

"He looks peaceful, almost like he's asleep," Ichabod said as he observed the body lying on the examining table.

"Mills, Crane, I'm glad you two could make it here so early," Captain Jones said.

After losing two Captains in the span of a few months, Sleepy Hollow hired Captain Jones. If anyone could control the situation in town it would be the bald and burly Texan.

"Yes sir, we came as soon as we could," Abbie replied.

Dr. Yang directed the group's attention to the body that she had spent the last few days examining.

"I'm sorry to have called you all here so early, but I have to be in court later this morning. This case was so unusual I feel that I have to explain it to you all in person," Dr. Yang said as she donned a pair of gloves.

"I saw the crime scene photos and it looks like he had some sort of accident," Captain Jones said.

"Originally I assumed that was the case. After further investigation, I discovered that this man had injuries serious enough to have killed him. No broken bones and his organs show no sign of trauma," Dr. Yang said.

"Doctor, do you how this man died," Ichabod asked.

She nodded. "I do, but it doesn't make any sense. The cause of death was hypovolemic shock. That means he died because of significant blood loss. My findings are consistent with someone who bled to death."

Abbie looked over the body in confusion. "Dr. Yang, I thought you said he had no serious injuries? How could he have lost so much blood?"

Dr. Yang took a deep breath, "I honestly don't know. I've been doing this job for 20 years and I have never seen anything like this. The average volume of blood for a man of his weight is 5 liters. During my autopsy I only measured 2.5 liters."

The entire group was trying to process the information. None of it made any sense. A man was found dead, no noticeable physical injuries, yet he is missing have of his blood volume.

"What happened to the rest of the blood," Ichabod asked.

Dr. Yang shook her head. "Your guess is as good as mine Mr. Crane. I'm so sorry that I have to cut this short, but I have to prepare for a trial. Captain Jones, I'll send the necessary paperwork to your office this afternoon."

"How are you ruling this death Dr. Yang," Abbie asked as Dr. Yang covered the body.

"Accidental death. I can't rule it a homicide, there's no evidence of foul play," she said.

The archive room had practically become the witness's second home. The pair spent the afternoon searching through medical books and other random texts. As much as Abbie loved her job, she didn't plan on wasting her entire afternoon working. "Crane, I'm going to get us a couple of sandwiches. Any special requests," Abbie asked.

"Oh yes, I would like the meatball marinara sub. But I want the bread toasted this time. Last time Ms. Helen forgot to toast the bread, which nearly ruined it" Ichabod said defensively.

"Roger that. I won't let Helen ruin your sandwich," Abbie joked as made her way to the sandwich shop.

For the past four months Sleepy Hollow had remained a quiet, slow-paced town. With no horseman in sight Ichabod and Abbie had the chance to heal and grow closer as friends. As much as Ichabod loved adventure, he hoped things would remain quiet and ordinary.

Before entering the sandwich shop Abbie reached in her left jean pocket to make sure her cash hadn't fallen out. As she freed her hand from her pocket she noticed a brown folded up napkin. It was Henri's number. Abbie stared at the number intensely, desperately trying to plan her next move. Abbie took a deep breath and unlocked her phone. She had no real reason to call Henri, or maybe she did. Surely he could help with the case. Abbie sat on the bench outside of the shop and dialed his number.

The phone rang four times. "Hello? Hello," the drowsy voice answered.

"Hey Henri, it's Abbie Mills. You sound tired, did I catch you at a bad time," she asked.

"No, no, I was just sleeping," he responded.

"Sleeping? It's 12pm, who stays in bed this late," Abbie teased.

A hesitant Henri responded. "I work nights. Last night was hectic and I didn't get home until dawn."

Abbie was embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know. I just wanted to ask if you could come down to the station and speak with Crane and I."

"Yea sure, I'd be glad to. But not right now, I'll come tonight. Is that okay Abbie," he asked.

"That works too. Although, I didn't plan on spending the night at work," Abbie replied.

"You won't have to. Perhaps I could come over to your place tonight, and we could talk there," Henri suggested.

Abbie knew inviting Henri to the cabin would irritate Ichabod more than anything. She had to admit, she liked seeing her friend being protective and sometimes jealous.

Abbie smiled. "Okay, I'll text you the address. Don't keep us waiting too long."

"Who exactly is 'us'," Henri asked.

"Crane and I. Surely you didn't think I would invite you to my house, alone," Abbie laughed.

"A man can only dream. I'll see you and Ichabod tonight. I forgot to tell you how enchanting you looked Saturday night. You were a vision," Henri purred.

Abbie felt like a giddy school girl, and she liked it. "Thanks, for noticing. I'll see you tonight."

"Au revoir Abbie," Henri said as he hung up the phone.

Abbie entered the archive room carrying two 12-inch subs. Ichabod abandoned the pile of textbooks in favor of the computer. "You've returned! I was worried you had forgotten about me," Ichabod teased.

"I didn't forget about you. Plus I made sure you're sandwich was toasted," Abbie said as she handed him the sandwich.

The pair took a break for casework and enjoyed their lunch. "Did you find anything new," Abbie asked.

Ichabod shook his head. "Lieutenant, I received a call from Captain Jones while you were away. He no longer wishes to use any more resources on this case."

A strange mix of disappointment and relief flooded Abbie's mind. "So he just wants us to move on?"

"Yes, it seems that way. The case has effectively been closed. However, I have an idea how we can spend our newly free evening." Ichabod said.

Abbie raised an eyebrow. "Okay. What plans did you make for us?"

Ichabod reached for the rolled-up newspaper across the table. "While you were away I searched through the 'TV guide.' Dracula is scheduled to air tonight at 8pm. I finished the novel nearly four days ago and I'm eager to see the film. My hope was that we could watch it together. From what I have heard, the film is considered a classic."

"Yea, that sounds cool. Oh no! Crane I'm so sorry but I invited Henri over to discuss the case. I can call him and cancel, it's no big deal," Abbie said pitifully.

Ichabod rolled his eyes. "Is Mr. DuPont unable to come to the station now to discuss the case?"

"No, he sleeps during the day. That's why I invited him over tonight. I can cancel, it's no big deal," Abbie replied.

"Good, then it's settled. We will enjoy our movie night with popcorn and snacks, and without the Frenchman," Ichabod said triumphantly.