The Murders of Cozy Hollow

Chapter 5 - Cold Cases

Ed awoke in his empty bed. His eyes panned the room. No beautiful lady of the house to be seen. The sunlight was overly bright but welcoming. Naturally, his first thought was that his bizarre late night encounter was merely a dream. It actually brought a smile to his face. He hadn't had a pleasant dream in a long time. Then he smelt his pillow. It was the pillow his ghostly guest had rested her head on. Sure enough, Ed smelt the unmistakable scent of a woman. It was not Olivia and it was certainly not his own stink. Whatever he smelt, it was fresh and feminine. No mistake about it.

Ed let the boys sleep in. He made some coffee, showered, shaved and found some breakfast. Only Will and Tank were up and about at that early hour.

"How did you sleep?" Ed asked his youngest son.

"Good," said Will. "I had a hard time falling asleep but once I did, I never woke up."

"That's a good sign."

"Do you have to go to work today, dad?"

"Afraid so, I need to show my face and meet my new boss, the town sheriff. I'm told he's a cranky old bugger."

"Okay."

Will seemed disappointed.

"Look, I'll try to get home early today. Kurt or Rex will make breakfast when they get up. Eat some cereal to tie you over. There's orange juice in the fridge. You're going to the pool today with your brothers and the neighbor girl. It'll be fun."

"Dad, what do you think about Cozy Hollow so far?"

"I think I might just like it here."

"Me too."

Tank barked as if to say me three.

***

Ed drove his F-250 into town around eight a.m. He left the Suburban for Kurt to drive around his brothers and any new friends. It could seat seven people. The Sheriff's Office was three or four doors down from Saint Mary's. Ed caught sight of the cemetery as he passed by the church. It was a gorgeous August day and townspeople were already out walking Main Street. He wondered if the town looked all that much different back in the eighteenth century.

When he pulled into the parking lot of the Sheriff's Department, he was surprised to see his name, Detective Stone, on a placard in a reserved parking spot. It was right next to the spot that read Sheriff Ross. Ed counted five patrol cars in the lot. Not bad for such a small town. With his holstered .357 riding on his belt, Ed walked inside with big city confidence. At the front counter sat an awkward yet spunky girl in her twenties wearing glasses and a uniform.

"Good morning," said Ed.

"You're Detective Stone from California, aren't ya?" said the girl.

"Yes I am. And what's your name?"

"I'm Sally Salt and I've never been to California."

"Someday you will. I feel it in my bones."

That seemed to put a smile on Sally's face.

"We're so excited to have you join our little department. Here's your badge and all your paperwork to sign. Sheriff Ross should be in soon. He told me to show you to your office. This way detective."

"Thanks, Sally. And please call me Ed."

"This way, Ed."

Ed followed Sally behind the main counter, past the open deputy desks and into the back hall. Sally introduced him to several sprite deputies along the way. The building had cells, interrogation rooms and two offices, Ed's and Sheriff Ross's. The door to the Sheriff's private office was closed. Sally open Ed's new office door and handed him his keys. Sure enough, the door read Detective Edward Stone.