Chapter 5

Ichabod approached the doors of the local antique shop. It was still early and Mr. Gray probably wouldn't have any customers. Ichabod entered the shop, looking for any signs of the elderly owner. Immediately he noticed a few new items in the display case, but they weren't what he was looking for. Ichabod was so preoccupied with searching for the amulet that he didn't hear Mr. Gray approaching.

"Ichabod, it's so good to see you," Mr. Gray said with a smile. Mr. Gray was a healthy man in his late 60s, who always seemed to wear a sweater vest.

"Mr. Gray, I'm pleased to see that you are well," Ichabod said as he shook the owner's hand.

"Ah yes, the last time you saw me I was being held hostage. I wish I knew how to repay you for your help."

"Perhaps there is a way. I'm looking for a certain Aztec amulet called the Tonaltzintlito. Have you heard of it," Ichabod asked.

Mr. Gray nodded. "I have. Tell me Ichabod what do you know about this item," he asked suspiciously.

"Someone recently mentioned it to me, but I know nothing about it," Ichabod explained.

Mr. Gray nodded and led Ichabod to the back of the shop. This was a conversation that should be kept as private as possible. Mr. Gray sat down at an old wood table and directed Ichabod to do the same.

"Well, there's an old Aztec legend about people who were cruel and committed unspeakable acts of violence. These people were often punished by the village shaman," Mr. Gray explained.

"What did this punishment consist of," Ichabod asked.

"They were cursed, cursed by the sun. These men and women were doomed to spending their life in darkness, never again able to see the sunrise. Well, that's what the legend says anyways," Mr. Gray laughed.

"I don't understand, why is the Tonaltzintlito so important," Ichabod asked.

"Well some say that if a person wears the Tonaltzintlito or even a piece of it, the curse is broken. He or she will be able to walk in broad daylight with no problem. What's got you so interested in the subject anyway," Mr. Gray asked.

"Mr. Gray is there a way I can acquire this amulet," Ichabod asked cautiously.

The elderly man looked intensely at Ichabod, desperately trying to uncover his intentions. "Ichabod, if you're in some kind of trouble you can tell me. This is dark magic we're talking about," Mr. Gray said.

"No I'm not in any trouble, but I still need the amulet. Please," Ichabod begged.

"I know a guy. This isn't something I usually do, but for you I'm willing to go out on a limb. Come back in about four days, I should have it by then," Mr. Gray relented.

"Thank you. This will stay between you and I, you have my word," Ichabod promised.

"Now that I've done a favor for you, I need you to do one for me," Mr. Gray said.

"What is it that you need," Ichabod asked.

Mr. Gray rose from the table and walked over to a dusty shelf and grabbed a large leather-bound book.

"Just a simple favor, not like the one you just asked of me! I received this book recently from a private collector. He said it's ledger of some kind, circa 1770's. I can't tell if it's authentic and I know that you're from that era. I need your help, it won't take long," Mr. Gray asked.

"Mr. Gray this is a payment ledger. I remember this business well. A man by the name of Obadiah Blythe owned a shop that sold everything from silk thread to the most delicious tea in the colony. He was quite the prosperous business man, until the British raised taxes," Ichabod explained.

Ichabod thumbed through the ledger, reminiscing on old times. He often bought trinkets for Katrina at this shop. While looking through the through the pages, Ichabod came across a familiar name. Narcisse DuPont, who apparently purchased two yards of lace and a pound of sugar on January 15, 1776.

"Well, is it authentic Ichabod," Mr. Gray asked.

"Yes it is. I even remember some of the people whose names are in this ledger," Ichabod said.

"You do? Which ones," Mr. Gray asked.

"I knew one man personally, Narcisse DuPont. He immigrated from Sancoins, France a few years before. The man spoke very little English but was very friendly. He and his family had a small farm, they supplied eggs and milk to the militia. The last time I saw him he was caring for his wife, she was dying of consumption, what you now call tuberculosis. I remember his children, three girls and a boy, he had red hair like his mother. It's odd how much I remember about that time," Ichabod said.

"It's extraordinary Ichabod, you're lucky to still have those memories," Mr. Gray said.

"Some are painful while others are joyous memories. What do you plan to do with this book Mr. Gray," Ichabod asked.

"I want to donate it to the Sleepy Hollow historical society. I must do my part to keep local history alive," Mr. Gray said.

"That is a wonderful idea. I'm glad I could help," Ichabod said.

"No, thank you Ichabod. I'll call you when your amulet comes in. Be careful please," Mr. Gray said.

Ichabod exited the antique shop revived and full of energy. He remembered the look in Henri's eyes, it was so familiar, he knew that he had seen it somewhere before. With the newly acquired information Ichabod had more questions than ever before, but he was also more confident. This was his opportunity to find out what and who Henri truly was. Ichabod pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed Abbie's number. After a several rings she picked up.

"Hey Crane, what's up," she asked.

Ichabod hesitated. "I have a favor to ask of you. I need Henri's phone number."

Abbie was stunned. "What? Why do you need his number?"

"I want to apologize for my behavior last Saturday. I acted most ungentlemanly and I feel like need to make things right between us," Ichabod lied.

"I think that's a good idea. I'm cleaning right now, trying to get ready everything for tonight. I'll text you his number," Abbie said.

"Thank you. Have fun tonight and don't do anything you may regret in the morning," Ichabod said cautiously.

"Crane, I can't believe you're suggesting that I would, never mind, I have to go," Abbie shouted and then ended the call.

Yes Ichabod probably shouldn't have said that, but he couldn't help it. Within a few seconds he received a text from Abbie, it was Henri's number. Ichabod stared at the number, plotting his next move. He then dialed the number, and waited for Henri to answer.

"Bonjour," Henri answered.

"Hello Henri, this is Ichabod Crane," Ichabod replied smoothly.

"Oh it's you. Do you have my amulet? I honestly wasn't expecting you to find it so soon," Henri snapped.

"I don't have the amulet and if I did I wouldn't give it to you. Whatever you are, I know that you cannot walk in the sunlight," Ichabod stated confidently.

"Oh no, you discovered my secret. Whatever will I do now," Henri said sarcastically.

"Henri DuPont, you will never feel the sun on your skin as long as I'm alive. Your father must be turning in his grave for having a cursed son," Ichabod snarled.

Henri was hurt and furious. "You know nothing about my father."

"I know that your father was a good man, and your mother died when you were young. I remember you," Ichabod whispered.

"You think you've got me all figured out? Well you are mistaken Ichabod Crane, you don't know anything about my condition. I don't know why I'm even talking to you right now. I have plans tonight, but I'm assuming you already knew that," Henri snapped and ended the call.

Ichabod knew that he needed to do something to stop Henri. However Henri was correct, Ichabod didn't know anything about him. Ichabod knew that Henri couldn't come outside during the day, but why and what would happen to him if he did? Ichabod remembered a piece of advice General Washington once told him, "You must know you're enemy before you can defeat him." If Ichabod had any chance of stopping Henri he would need an ally. Unfortunately Abbie was under Henri's malicious spell and wasn't very helpful at the moment. But there was Jenny, she would be back in town tomorrow. Ichabod knew he could count on her to help him destroy Henri, or at least keep him away from Abbie.