Chapter 4

Ichabod enjoyed his movie night with Abbie. They filled their stomachs with fattening pepperoni pizza and extra hot Buffalo wings. As usual Ichabod frequently interrupted the movie with long-winded historical commentary. Naturally Ichabod knew of someone who had a family member, that might have come back from the dead, possibly. Abbie couldn't help but laugh at her friend. She loved the way he had facts on the most random subjects. Abbie discovered that Ichabod was just as afraid of Count Dracula as she was afraid of zombies. After the movie ended, around 11pm, Abbie hugged Ichabod goodbye and returned home.

Ichabod was now alone in his quiet cabin. Alone, and a very much on edge. He couldn't help but replay the scariest scenes in his head. Ichabod found himself jumping at the slightest creek of the wood floors and shadows on the wall. "You've faced demons and horsemen, yet you are fearful of a creature in a silent film, how pathetic," Ichabod said to himself.

The cabin looked like it had been hit by a tornado. Ichabod grabbed a trash bag and threw away the boxes of pizza crust, plates, and cups. Cleaning his own home was a chore that he had unfortunately become accustomed to doing. After sweeping and moping, Ichabod hauled the large bag outside to the trash can at the back of the cabin. It was pitch black outside, Ichabod could hardly see where he was walking. He somehow managed to toss the bag into the trash can, despite not being able to see. As he started walking back to the cabin he heard a strange sound. It sounded like leaves and twigs breaking, only louder and more high pitched. Ichabod quickly circled the outside of the cabin, searching for the origin of sound. He knew he was alone, at least he thought he was. Ichabod rushed into the cabin, grabbed a flashlight, and dashed outside. He was determined to solve this mystery, even if he had to spend all night in the woods.

Ichabod ran erratically through the woods, desperately trying to follow the sound. Ichabod really didn't know where he was. He managed to run half a mile into the woods, in various directions. If he could see the stars he could easily find his way home, but tonight it was cloudy. Suddenly Ichabod heard the sound of approaching footsteps. He quickly spun around, aiming the flashlight in every direction.

"No need to panic, it's only me," the voice said as he approached the beam of the flashlight.

"Henri DuPont. Why am I not surprised to find you trudging through the woods at this time of night," Ichabod said sarcastically.

Henri stood across form Ichabod with a smug look on his face. Although it nearly 80 degrees, Henri still wore his signature black leather jacket and dark blue jeans. "You're words wound me Ichabod. I thought we were friends," Henri cackled.

"I'm sorry but you are mistaken, we are not friends. I know nothing about you or where you come from," Ichabod replied.

Henri stepped closer to Ichabod. "It's doesn't matter where I came from. The only thing that matters is that I'm here now. I like you Ichabod, and I want to be your friend. More importantly I want to be Abbie's friend. She's cute, do you know if she has a boyfriend?"

Ichabod was enraged. "We are not talking about Ms. Mills! What are you doing out here. Answer me!"

Henri laughed and said, "It's a free country, I can walk wherever I please. Plus I love being out at night, it feels so natural to me."

"What is your purpose for being here," Ichabod asked defensively.

Henri ran his fingers through his strawberry blonde hair and adjusted his leather jacket. "I have a favor to ask. It's very important that this stays between you and I, Abbie doesn't need to know."

Ichabod was listening carefully. Why would Henri be wandering around the woods just to ask him a question? "I'm listening."

A wicked smile appeared on Henri's face. "I'm looking for an amulet. An Aztec amulet called the Tonaltzintlito. The word around town is that you and Abbie frequently come across all sorts of ancient artifacts. I need you to find it and bring it to me. You have two weeks."

Ichabod backed away from Henri. There was no way that he was going to be tricked into helping someone that he didn't like. It only took Ichabod a few seconds to consider Henri's proposal. "No."

Henri was shocked. "No? It's a simple task Ichabod, it probably won't take more than a couple of days to find it."

Ichabod remained firm. "I said no Mr. DuPont. If you want this amulet you must find it on your own."

In the blink of an eye Ichabod found himself pinned against a tree, nearly five inches above the ground. Henri's hands were clasped tightly around Ichabod's throat. Ichabod wanted to yell, but he could hardly breathe. Henri, the man who had seemed so ordinary, possessed extraordinary speed and strength.

"This is not a request Ichabod Crane, it's an order. I really do like you and I think we could be friends, just do as I say. However, if you disobey me I will rip your spine out through your ass and leave your body to rot in a ditch. Do we have a deal Ichabod," Henri growled at Ichabod.

Ichabod thought about the situation as quickly as he could. There was no doubt that Henri would kill him, but he didn't want to follow Henri's orders. If Ichabod could just get home and call Abbie, he could explain everything to her. He had to decide now. Henri's grip was getting tighter and it was getting harder to breathe.

"Okay, I will," Ichabod said reluctantly.

Henri loosened his grip and threw Ichabod to the ground. "Smart choice my friend."

Ichabod inched away from Henri as he gasped for air. Ichabod knew he had to make it home somehow. While Henri turned his head to look up at the sky, Ichabod made a run for it. He ran as fast as someone that was nearly strangled to death could possibly run. Henri refocused his attention on Ichabod, but chose not to pursue him. What would be the point anyway? Chasing an already injured Ichabod didn't seem entertaining to Henri.

"Come on Ichabod, I know you can run faster than that," Henri shouted into the darkness.

The next morning Ichabod rolled out of bed in pain. It felt like he was swallowing needles when he tried to speak and his neck was covered in bruises. He stared in the mirror, hoping that he wouldn't have to leave the house today. Sadly his hopes vanished when he heard his phone ring. It was Abbie. It was only 7:30am so if she was calling this early it meant there was work to be done.

"Hey Crane. I'm sorry to wake you but we've got a new case. This one is kind of weird. The local hospital was robbed last night. I should be over in 20 minutes to pick you up," Abbie said.

Ichabod took a deep breath and mustered all of his strength to speak. "That's fine. I will be ready."

Abbie gasped. "Crane you sound terrible. What happened to your voice, you sound hoarse?"

Ichabod quickly thought of a believable lie, one that wouldn't lead to more questions. "I believe I have laryngitis. I can hardly speak."

"Crane I'm so sorry. You won't have to say much I promise. Try taking a hot shower, the steam helps the throat. I'll be there soon," Abbie suggested.

Ichabod hung up the phone and dashed to his dresser. He had to find something to cover the bruises on his neck. He pulled out a sheer gray scarf from the top drawer. Yes it was June and too hot for a scarf, but what choice did he have? The less Abbie knew about last night, the better.

After a short five minute drive Abbie and Ichabod arrived at Phelps Memorial Hospital. It was unusual for a hospital to be robbed in the middle of the night. Typically a thief would rob the pharmacy for the drugs, but the blood bank was robbed this time. The pair quickly made their way to the blood bank where Captain Jones was waiting.

"Crane, Mills, I'm glad you're here. As you can tell we're in the blood bank. Half of their supply is missing, but no one was injured during the robbery. Jordan Thompson was working during the robbery, you can question him," Captain Jones explained.

Ichabod and Abbie directed their attention to the skinny young laboratory technician that was the only witness. He seemed unsure of himself and nervous at the same time. Abbie introduced herself and Ichabod. "I'm Lieutenant Mills and this is my partner Mr. Crane. Can you tell us exactly what happened here?"

Mr. Thompson nodded. "Well I didn't notice that anything was wrong until about 5am. I went to check the supply and I noticed that almost half of the blood was gone! This is a hospital, we need that blood."

Ichabod coughed and cleared his throat. "Did you see anyone suspicious, anyone wandering around that does not work here?"

Mr. Thompson shook his head. "No. That's just it, I didn't see or hear anything. I'm the only one here at night! When I started my shift all the blood was accounted for, but now it's gone. Who the hell steals blood anyway? They can't sell it."

"That's what we're trying to figure out. Thank you Mr. Thompson, we'll contact you if we have any more questions," Abbie said as she dismissed the witness.

This case was odd, but it certainly wasn't serious. Abbie was sure they'd find the thief by reviewing the security footage at the station. "Crane, I know you're not feeling well, and this case is simple so I'll take you back home."

"Actually, I would like to go into town and speak with Mr. Gray. I have some personal business to discuss with him," Ichabod said.

Abbie nodded. "The antiques dealer? Okay, if that's what you want. Let's get out of here before Captain Jones creates more work for us."

The pair quickly exited the hospital and walked back to their vehicle. As they approached the SUV Ichabod glanced over at Abbie, she looked nervous, like there was something serious on her mind. "Hey Crane, can I ask you something?"

Ichabod raised an eyebrow. "Yes of course."

"What do you think of Henri," Abbie said softly as she fumbled with the car keys.

What did he think of Henri! What kind of question was that? Ichabod desperately wanted to rip the scarf off his neck and show Abbie what kind of man Henri really was. "Henri DuPont does not seem trustworthy. We hardly know the man," Ichabod said.

"He's coming to my house for dinner tonight. He wants to get to know me," Abbie said reluctantly.

Ichabod grabbed Abbie's shoulders. "Abbie no, you will regret letting that fiend into your home!"

Abbie was furious! "Fiend! Crane I know we're friends, but you have to let me live. I like this guy, and I'm going to have him over for dinner. I was hoping you'd be supportive."

Ichabod had a choice to make. He could reveal his injuries to Abbie, or he could let her invite Henri over for dinner. Perhaps Henri would reveal more of himself to her. Ichabod took a deep breath and said, "Forgive me. You are a capable woman and I should not doubt your judgment. I'm only concerned for your safety."

Abbie turned to Ichabod and gave him a soft hug. "I know you're worried about me, thanks. I promise I'll text you if anything crazy happens tonight. I really do think Henri is a good guy, he's just misunderstood."