Hudsonville: Tales of the Hunted

Chapter 8: Revelations

"So, runnin' through it again, you want records dating back to the eighties?" Andy asked.

Vick nodded. "Yup."

"And newspapers from the same time?"

"Any you can dig up."

Andy scratches the back of his head. "Did they even have a paper yet back then?"

"I dunno, but as far back as you can manage to go will be helpful. I'm sure somebody did some kind of press."

"Okay," Andy took in a deep breath and looked forward at the looming city hall, its stained-glass eye staring down at him. It was like a gateway into his soul, gazing at his hidden intentions. He gulped—a hand was felt on his shoulder, startling him, snapping him out of whatever apprehensive state he'd found himself trapped in.

"Dude," Vick said with a small squeeze. "It's fine. You're going to be fine."

"Right, it's not like you're fibbing or anything. Just asking for some records." Cici said.

"What if she asks me why I'm lookin' into it? What do I say then?" Andy asked.

Vick shrugged. "I dunno. Make something up."

"I'm not good at that."

"Alright, uh...tell her you wanna know more about the town's history since you're gonna be staying here."

"Classic." Cici grunts.

"You think she'll buy that?" Andy asked.
"Again," Vick smiles. "You look the part."

Cici gave the boy a salute with both left arms.

"Good luck in there, soldier!" She enthusiastically said. Andy gave her a half-hearted salute back, and turned toward the door. Looking up at its ancient oak, without a moment more of hesitation, he pushed them wide open and stepped inside.

The interior looked about the same as when Andy last saw it, Snoozie still sitting at the front, clacking away at her keyboard. Unfortunately, it seemed as though someone else was right there with her, golf bag in tow, chattering loudly about how he'd 'served that brat right'—something along those lines, anyhow. The dialogue was cut short with the abrupt opening of the building's doors. Andy could feel that intense stare once again.

"Mr. Kessler," Hudson greeted as he polished one of his clubs. His eyes wandered out the door just fast enough to see Vick and Cici scampering away. The man's brow quirked, his lips pursed, his club slapping repeatedly against the palm of his hand.

"Oh, what're you up to now?" Hudson asked. "Here to get that parasite's press back?"

"No, sir," Andy stammered. "I'm—I'm here to learn about the town. Since I'm gonna be stayin' here. Sir."

Hudson quietly simmered, his eyes squinting further.

"Really?" He asked.

"Really." Andy replied.

"Really, really!" Snoozie chirped. Hudson shushed her.

"Okay, Mr. Kessler, I'll bite. What is it you wanted to know about? I could tell you all about it, I'm something of an expert myself."

No, that wouldn't work at all. They needed locations, first and foremost. Hudson couldn't be made privy to the plan, but the way the man was already slithering over, a wide smirk on his square face, it gave Andy the feeling he had already been found out.

"That's okay, sir, I don't wanna take up too much of your time," Andy started. Hudson shook his head.

"Oh, no, it's no problem at all, really. I just so happen to have a clear schedule. Please, ask away."