“Quiet can be a good thing,” Ichabod says, his tone thoughtful. “Though I know it must be an adjustment. If you need another tour guide, I’m happy to be of service.”
Something tugs low in my stomach.
“Careful,” I say before I can stop myself. “I might hold you to that.”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t,” he replies.
Something shifts in the air between us for a moment, and then Brom clears his throat. “I wouldn’t say the town’s beenthatquiet lately, what with Dr Larpin’s death.”
Talk about killing the mood.
“Yes,” Ichabod says. “A terrible tragedy.”
“Did you know him well?” I ask Ichabod.
“I try not to make too much of a habit of frequenting the doctor’s surgery,” he chuckles. “But yes, we crossed paths on occasion. I know he did a lot for this town, and he’ll be missed.”
My brow furrows. “They’re saying he had some kind of accident. It sounds awful.”
Ichabod’s expression darkens slightly. “Yes, I imagine it was,” Ichabod says finally. “But it’s best not to dwell on such things. Darkness has a way of creeping in if you let it.”
I open my mouth to ask what he means, but Brom interrupts. “Speaking of moving on, I’d best be going. I need to get back to work before the old man misses me too much.” He claps me on the shoulder lightly. “I’ll see you later, Kat.” He nods toward Ichabod before striding off, his heavy boots striking the cobblestones with purpose. I watch him go for a moment before turning back to Ichabod.
“I hope I’m notthatobvious — about not wanting to be here, I mean,” I say, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“Only to those who recognise it,” he replies with a sad smile. “I’ve worn the look myself often enough. But you and Brom seem close.”
“Well, we go way back,” I reply, and Ichabod raises his eyebrows questioningly. “We were friends as kids, when I lived here before. It’s nice to know someone in this town.”
He nods.
“Although,” I continue, “he tells me this town has a ghost problem.”
“Does he now?” Ichabod chuckles. “And what do you make of that?”
I go to laugh but he seems to be watching me seriously, his piercing grey eyes searching mine. A crow takes flight behind him, startling me and pulling my attention away. I flicker my eyes back to his and he’s still watching me, unmoved.
“Well, obviously, I don’t make anything of it. I don’t know how that doctor died, but I think we can safely say it wasn’t a ghost.”
He pauses for a moment before nodding again and then glances down at his watch. “I am sorry to leave you, but I must run to my class. Literally.” He chuckles. He gestures down the street. “Will you be all right getting back?”
I roll my eyes. “I think I’ll manage, thanks.”
“You should be careful out here on your own.” The way he says it makes me feel uneasy.
“And why is that?”
“Things in this town are not always as they seem.” He says at last. But then, more lightly, “I might see you later, if you’re around during Toby’s music lesson?”
“You might,” I reply simply, but the corners of my lips lift, betraying me.
As he turns to leave, I feel his absence almost immediately. It’s as if the temperature drops a few degrees.
I start home, wrapping my jacket more tightly around myself. The streets seem even quieter now, the shadows longer and deeper. Sleepy Hollow holds its secrets tightly, and I have the feeling that I am only just scratching the surface.
7
Van Tassel Manor glares down at me once again, its shadow stretching long and ominous across the gravel driveway as I push open the heavy front door. The hinges creak, making me flinch, and the noise echoes through the dimly lit foyer. I pause for a moment, letting the chill of the house settle over me. Inside, it feels colder than the outside air, as though I’ve disturbed something ancient.
