Page 5 of Headless Hollow

“Because…he’s just not capable of it. Eli doesn’t have a vicious bone in his body.”

Branson looked down at me, but he didn’t seem convinced. “Hmm, I’d still like to see his personnel file,” he said as we walked toward the exit. “At this point, I’m looking at everyone like they’re a suspect, and some simply have a leg up on others.”

“I’m not supposed to show you personal files. They are confidential.” A gust of cool fall air lifted my hair off the nape of my neck as we stepped outside. I shivered, my eyes searching the darkness.

“You know I’ll just get a warrant. At this point, the mayor would order Judge Foster to give it to me for anyone in the area. He is desperate to put this case to bed.”

He wasn’t wrong. “Fine, I’ll let you have a peek tomorrow. But I’m telling you that you’re not going to find anything useful,” I said as we walked down the steps to the unmarked police car. Branson opened the door for me, and I slipped inside, but he paused there and looked at me.

“Trust me, I’ve been on this job long enough to know that you never know what skeletons someone has buried in their closet until you go poking around. He also knows exactly where you are in the case. I’m just saying that he’s a possibility.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t be so dismissive. At this point, I could be a suspect,” I said, and Branson smiled.

“I really should question you, considering he’s your ex. But patting you down and interrogating you sounds like too much of a good time,” he said and thankfully closed the door so that he didn’t see my shocked and eager expression. Okay…that was now in my head.

Branson got in and started the car, and I reached out and grabbed his arm. “I need to talk to you for a minute.”

“Sure, what about?”

This was so incredibly difficult. If he wasn’t flirting and only teasing, I was going to look like an idiot, but if I didn’t say something and draw a firm line now, then I was liable to do something that I’d regret. But as I looked at his passive and concerned expression, I lost my nerve.

“You know what, nothing. It’s been a long, weird day, and I’m just tired.”

“You sure?”

I nodded as his phone rang. “Hello. Yes, this is Detective Crane. Where?” He pulled out his notebook and scribbled an address down. “Right now?” He rubbed his eyes, and I knew that this night was just getting started. “Yes, I’ll be there in an hour.”

Sighing, Branson looked at me. “You sure you don’t want to talk?”

“Nope, I’m all good. What was the call about? You seem upset.”

“That was the sheriff from Tarry Town. He says that they found a body, and they think it’s our guy.”

“The Horseman?” He nodded. “He struck again so soon. He is really escalating.”

“I’ll drop you off at my house….”

“Like hell, you will.” I buckled my seatbelt. “I’m coming with you, no arguments.” Crossing my arms, I gave him my don’t-bother-arguing look, and he smirked.

“Well, alright then, drive-thru and murder scene it is.” Branson smiled and my heart tumbled in my chest. I needed to get my emotions under control. This was ridiculous.

Four

Izzy

We pulled up in front of a home that was adorable in that birdhouse kind of way. It had a stunning fall garden, bursting with yellows and orange colors that helped accentuate the red entryway with a wreath made of leaves. The door was wide open, and I cringed as I watched officers walk in and out. I wasn’t the coroner for this area, so it wasn’t my scene to lockdown, but I was itching to yell at them. I think I have anger issues.

We got out of the car and started up to the house, but Branson stopped and stared at the silver car in the driveway. I watched him as he walked backward and looked at the back of it.

“What’s wrong?” He looked at me, eyes wide as he swallowed. “What?”

Instead of answering, he jogged away and up a couple of steps to the open door. I ran after him, but he’d disappeared by the time I made it inside. I stopped at the closest officer.

“Where is the body?”

“Upstairs. Who are you?”

“Medical examiner,” I said and flashed my badge as I ran up the stairs. It wasn’t hard to figure out which room everyone was in, with the sheriff standing at the door with his head down like he was in prayer.