Page 10 of Headless Over You
“Kurt, my boy!” A voice booms from my right. I set the glass down and turn to see an older version of Kurt walk through the sitting room. “And who is this lovely young woman?” He’s vibrant and charismatic. There’s a reason he has a hold over the town in some capacity.
“I’m Iris Crane. Kurt and I are friends, and he graciously invited me to lunch today.”
“That’s my boy, you know? Always looking to make friends.”
“Dad,” Kurt says with an exasperated tone as he wipes his hand down his face. His cheeks have reddened. Is he embarrassed?
“He’s been very kind. All of you have, unlike the rest of the people I’ve met so far.”
“Being an out-of-towner has that effect. What do you say we move this discussion into the dining room? Food is ready.”
The meal is lovely,and I’m starting to become overwhelmed by their friendliness. Is it because I was originally here for less than stellar reasons? I’m not a liar or a manipulator at heart, but there is something to solving this mystery that has slowly changed my demeanor.
“So, Iris, how long are you in town?” Mr. Van Tassel asks as I take a bit of mashed potatoes. Swallowing, I think it over.
“I’m not really sure. I never have a set timeframe when I travel for work, just a general sense of when the research is done. I would hazard a guess of probably another week?”
“Well, I do hope you get all the answers you’re looking for. She’s researching the Headless Horseman, honey,” his mother explains, patting her husband’s arm. His eye twitches, though his smile remains the same. Did that strike a chord with him?
I offer quickly to recover, “I’m writing a book and figured I’d do the fictional tale justice by visiting the source of the ghastly legend.”
“Legends and myths, tall tales of the night. Have you been spooked yet?” Kurt looks at me as his father’s question settles over the table. He knows.
“Not at all,” I say with a saccharine tone in my voice. “My time here researching has been lovely, though uneventful.” The table takes a pause and resumes eating. I take my opportunity.
“Mrs. Van Tassel?”
“Oh, please, honey, call me Karen.” Her hand waves through the air like we’re old pals, and I should have known better than to call her Mrs. anything.
“Karen, I was wondering if I could use your restroom?” I take my cloth napkin and dab at the corners of my mouth.
“Of course, dear. It’s up the stairs, down the main hall, and it’s the last door on the left.”
“Thank you. Everyone, if you’ll excuse me.” Forks return to plates and quiet conversation about their week continues.
I walk the expansive rooms and stairs before finding the main hallway Karen mentioned. Doors are closed, and instinct takes over. Thunder rolls in the distance as the forewarned storm comes through. It feels ominous as I stalk the hallway. I don’t have enough time to check all the rooms on the floor, but the ones here might prove to hold an answer I can come back to later.
I try the first door on the left, and to my disappointment, it’s locked. On the right, the doorknob turns, but it’s merely a large linen closet. Is it possible these are just pointless spaces?
The second room on the left is a sparse bedroom. It’s outfitted with the usual things, but it lacks personalization. For guests perhaps? I close the door and try the second and last room on the right. It opens, but I’m stopped.
“Was your intent to scour my parents’ home?” I nearly jump out of my skin at Kurt’s words. I didn’t hear his approach at all.
“Kurt, you scared the shit out of me.”
“What are you really doing up here, Iris?”
“I’m looking for the bathroom. So far, I’ve found a closet and a bedroom. Do you think I’m searching for relics in a home I’ve been so graciously invited into? Do you think so little of me?” Now I’ve become a gaslighter, too.
“I don’t know what to think. I hardly know you.” My back straightens at that. So, I’m a stranger and the hospitality is a farce. “I think it best you leave after lunch.”
“Me too.” I nod and turn around, pretending like I didn’t remember the last door on this side of the hallway was a bathroom. I sigh in mock relief and step inside.
Kurt Van Tassel knows something, but will he be an accomplice to my plans or a hindrance to be dealt with?
SEVEN
Brom
