Part III




To my own surprise, I was not as disturbed about watching one die as I had led myself to believe I would. In fact, several ways I envied the poor husky who now lay in the ground. At least his time is over and he wouldn't awake the next day looking for his head.

The morning came and I awoke on the floor, my pillow over my head. This must be a reason to envy the dead. I felt around with my hands to make sure the rest of me was on the bed, and sure enough I was. I sat up and rubbed what remained of my neck then I came to my hands and knees on the floor.
“This is ridiculous!” I said to myself.

I pounded my fist on the ground to feel the vibrations, and it guided me to the pillow that covered me. I throw the pillow off and grabbed my fallen appendage, to place it back.

In came the day and the bank had two come in by lunch. I didn't have my coat for I left it at my Grandfather's cottage. The day moved on, and I spent the free time speaking with John. I told him of the body digging his grave, and how I felt. To my surprise John was not as disturbed by my emotions toward the dead.
“Well, it was peaceful.” Said he.
“I know it was, but how often is it that one sees such a site and not feel any sadness or remorse?”
John cracked a smile, “Robert, as long as I have known you, the odd seem to follow you. You as well as I are use to this thing now. Apparently death is no stranger nor does it seem so....well... grim.”

He smiled and I saw in his eyes something else.
“You dog!” I claimed.
“What?”
I scoffed and retorted, “You're in love. Who's the lucky lady?”
John shook his head, “You, sir, must be mistaken. I have no such affairs.”
“You can't hide it John. I see it clear as day.” I pressed on.

John blushed and moved in front of the counter, “ I cannot say.”
“Ha!” I laughed, “I will find a way. You might as well save the trouble.”
John took a sigh and leaned in to a whisper, “You will get mad.”

“OH!” My eyes widened, and I could not resist a scheming smile. I stood erect and grinned, “And this particular lady likes you as well?”
John nodded, “She came in to ask me if I would have lunch with her this morning. Apparently she has stayed in town since.”

I approach the door and swung it violently opened. My proud smile could not reside as I demand, “Then go, sir! You and Emma should have a fine lunch!”
John nodded and grinned, “I would not do anything to displease you, dear friend.”
I shook my head, “Think nothing of it! She may be my relative, but she is an adult. I would be more then honored.”

John departed and I closed the door behind him bidding him goodbye. I went back to the counter and to the books. I was over joyed that my great friend found love, as well as my sister. I chuckled as I check the amounts. When the door opened I deemed not to look up I simply spoke, “Please wait one moment.”

No sound, but the sound of a door locking. I paused from my counting, and heard the other door being locked. Chills streaked down my spine and I looked up to see Judge Witley holding his key.
“Judge? What is the meaning of this?” my emotions stiffened. I feared he had no good intentions by locking me in.
“Oh my dear Robert.” His voice was a cold sound, “Where is your coat?”
I paused and replied staring into his dark eyes, “I spilled wine on it. I sent it to have it cleaned.”
He chuckled as he inspected his cane handle. He approached me and I stepped back in equal steps.
“You know, Robert. For years I have ignored your attire, the coat in particular.”
My ears perked, as I gained a sense what he was getting to.
“That coat, “ said Witley, “Was your father's, was it not?”
“Judge.....I....I think you sh-should leave.” I stammered.

He approached again and this time I ran out of room to back.
“He was a dear....dear friend of mine.” The Judge spoke and every word sunk deeper into me as a knife.
He came close to me almost pressing his nose to mine and he inspected my eyes, feeding off of their fear. I couldn't produce any words. I muttered nothing determinable.

The Judge grinned the most demented smile, “Your father was special.” He claimed, “ He had this....trick about him.”
I closed my eyes and prepared for what I knew he was going to do.

He took up his cane and pressed it against my chin, “Your father.....Couldn't keep his head!”
With a thrust the cane knocked my head off like a cork, and it fell to the ground. I yelped as it contacted the ground, and the Judge grabbed my shoulder and threw my helpless body the other direction, onto the floor.

“I can't believe!” He said with a laugh, “It took me so long to recognize that coat. Your father wore it all the time.”

“YOU BASTARD!!!!” I yelled fruitlessly. There wasn't much a head could do and I had no strength to lift the body off of the floor.
Witley continued as he paced around my body. He'd occasionally glance at my head, “You look just like him.”

I moved my body without thought of his position, and I tried to crawl towards my head. He simply kicked my ribs and my body collapsed.
“Your father did have some use to me.” He smirked, “Though he never did get around to what I was looking for. Maybe....”

He swiftly turned to my coughing head, and with a harsh swift grasp picked my up and forced me to his face, “You can help me.”

My body reached for his ankle but he simply stomped on my hand and I grunted in pain.
“Dear, Robert. You have volunteered to lead my expedition.”
He slammed my head on the counter, neck first. I stood upright as a head and grimaced. My body squirmed on the ground as Witley circled around the counter keeping his hand on my head.

He leaned in to my level, “Only one obstacle you need to get me through.”
I coughed again and worked my way to a sit.
“Your dad had the same obstacle,” He continued, “His father.....your....grandfather now. The horseman.”

“What do y-y-you want?” I stammered in anger.
Witley stood up and walked around again. He grabbed the scruff of my neck and dragged me to the other side of the room. I was too weak to struggle.

“You will know after Thanksgiving.” Witley declared, “You inform anyone I will have you at the stake.”

He unlocked one door and put the keys into his pocket, “Soon, Robert. Soon.”
He left the bank and closed the door. The headless me sat on the other side of the room while the bodiless me watched it in pain. I felt the aches and the weariness.

Finally the strength to get up approached me and I stood holding my side. All I could do was observe myself approach me until I was in reach.

Reuniting my head with my body, I wobbled and limped to the stairs for a sit. An hour passed and I was rested enough to seem normal. I went back to the books and forced the event from my mind. Though I could not smile, It was gone. I felt safe once again.

When John returned I found my self fully recovered seeing his proud confident face. When the day wore on, I gave no sign of what Witley had done. When John left for the night I could finally breakdown and sob in my bed until I fell asleep.


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