ESP, or Extra Sensory Perception, they say is a gift to those who have it. Some are called clairvoyants, others seers. These gifts, as they are called befall people with normal intelligence. What happens when these “gifts” happen to someone who’s mentally challenged, or what some people called retarded? How does a child who’s mentally challenged react to having ESP? Meet SIMON!

After their misadventures with the ghost on Cabot Road, the teens went about their daily summer recess from school with their fishing and their friends.

Come mid-July, however, it was time for Barry Devers and the family to go on their vacation. That year it was to a new place.

“Are we going to bring the boat dad?” Frank asked where he knew they were going to be staying on a lake.
“What would you two do without a boat?” His father asked. “Of course I’m bringing the boat. You two just stay out of mischief for two whole weeks while we’re there.”
“Thanks Dad,” Johnny replied and looked at his older brother.
“We’d never get into trouble, Dad,” Frank remarked with a smirk on his face.
“Then why am I going gray at the early age of thirty-seven?”
The last of the bags were loaded into the back of the wagon and the car was then backed up to the boat trailer and hitched for the two and a half hour drive across the state to Lake Dawson.
“Are we staying at the Richard’s cottage Dad?” Johnny asked.
“Yes! Bill’s letting us rent it cheap,” the father replied.
“Does it have a boat ramp?” Frank asked.
“It’s at the end of the driveway. When we get there, I want you two to help your mother while I get the boat tied up to the dock.”

Fifteen minutes later the Devers pulled up in front of the cottage. Moments later Barry backed the trailer into the driveway and stopped just beyond the end of the cottage. He unhitched the trailer and then pulled forward enough to where they could get at the back. The boys helped their mother in with the things until everything was inside.

Do you need us for anything else Ma? Johnny asked.
“I know you two want to go fishing, so I can handle things from here. I want you two be careful in the boat,” their mother replied and started to unpack.
By the time the two boys reached the dock their father was just tying the boat up to it.
“We’ll take it, Dad,” Frank said and grabbed the tie rope at the bow.
With the fishing gear already in the boat, along with a healthy supply of night crawlers, Johnny climbed in and sat in the middle seat while Frank climbed in and went aft to where the motor was.

“We don’t know anything about the fish in this lake, Frank, so where are we gonna start?” Johnny asked as he grabbed his rod to have it ready.

“We’ll just head out there and find a spot near some weeds. We might find some pickerel or bass. Who knows what might be in here?” Frank replied and pulled the cord to start the motor.

Moments later the eldest brother guided the small boat to a large clump of weeds near the shoreline and Johnny grabbed the small anchor and dropped it overboard so that the boat could stay in place.

As they were fishing, Frank nonchalantly looked around, where they were not familiar with the area, and he could see a large dock not far from where they were and a boy who looked to be about their age was sitting at the end of it, fishing.

“There’s a boy about our age, fishing from that dock,” Frank said casually.

Johnny turned around to see who his brother was talking about. “Maybe we could go over and say hi in a little bit.”

“Why not..? The fish sure aren’t biting. Want to go now?”

“I’ll get the anchor,” Johnny said as he reeled in his line.

With the anchor on board Frank used the oar to push the boat free of the weeds and then started the motor. He kept it on low and steered the bow towards the dock.

As Frank neared the dock he could see a tall heavy-set man leaving the house and was heading towards it. He reached the dock as the boat touched it.

Can I help you boys?” He asked in a deep voice but with a pleasant manner.

“We’re up here for two weeks on vacation, sir and we saw your son, so we wanted to try and make a friend while we were up here,” Frank said sincerely.

“That’s very nice, son. Your name is?”

“I’m Frank Devers and this is my brother Johnny.”

“Well Frank, my son’s name is Simon Diggs and I’m his father. My name is Ken. When Simon was born he had a mental disorder. Do you know what that means?”

“Kinda sir! It means he’s retarded, right?”

“The name retarded might be a little harsh, but it’s close. He’s not dangerous, or at least he hasn’t been, but he doesn’t have any friends because of his handicap.”

“Does that mean we can’t try to be his friends?” Johnny asked.

“I’ll tell you what. If you two want to go over and try to talk to him, I’ll stand back, just off the dock, and see what happens. I would like to see my son have some friends in his life.”

“How old is Simon, sir?” Frank asked.

“He’s fifteen, but I must warn you, he doesn’t think like boys your age.”

“Do you think he might like us to fish with him?”

Tears started to flow down Ken’s face. For the first time since his birth, someone other than a doctor took an interest in his son, and this time it was for friendship.

“He might like that,” Ken replied and wiped the tears from his face.

“Can we talk to him?”

“You can talk to him, son, but remember that he doesn’t think as fast as you and he doesn’t think like a fifteen year old boy, okay?”

“Can I ask a question?”

“Sure!”

“Why is there a railing around your dock? Most docks don’t have one.”

“Where my son is mentally challenged, and is slow, I put the railing up to keep him from falling off the dock. It’s only there for his protection.”
“Can we go and see Simon now?”

“Be my guest. I’ll step off the dock and see what happens.” Ken Diggs stepped back off the dock as the two boys tied the boat to it.

“Let’s not bring our rods yet, Johnny. Let’s introduce ourselves first,” Frank said as he secured the boat to the dock.

Both Frank and Johnny looked down towards the end of the dock and could see Mr. Diggs just standing there, so they turned and went to the end of it where Simon was sitting.

Frank stepped around to Simon’s right, and said, “Hi! My name is Frank.” He extended his hand towards Simon.

“I’m…..Simon…..! Hi!” Simon replied almost stoically, his words slow. He reached out and shook Frank’s outstretched hand.

“And I’m Johnny, Simon. How’s the fishing today?” He asked, to try and reach out to his new friend.

“They…. ain’t….. bitin…..!” Simon replied

“Can we fish with you?” Frank asked.

As if something inside Simon suddenly came alive, he looked straight at Frank, his voice no longer slow and deliberate, as he asked, “You’ve seen a ghost, haven’t you?”

Frank’s mouth dropped open, as this stranger’s revelation hit him and he was startled by both his question and the change in his voice, specially where he’s supposed to be retarded.

“Yes I have, but how did you know that?”

“Let me touch your hand again,” Simon said, his words no longer slow and deliberate. He reached out to Frank.

Frank extended his hand to Simon.

As he grabbed Franks hand, he closed his eyes, and said, “You’ve also talked to this ghost and you helped his spirit rest in peace, right?”

Johnny was confused and wrinkles formed on his brow as he watched Simon and his brother.

“That’s right, but how did you know that?”

“Can my dad hear me?”

Frank took a look and saw Ken as he headed back inside the house. “He just went back into the house, so we’re alone.”

“I’ve heard my mom and dad talking about me being slow and that, and most of the time I am, but what they don’t know is that at times I can see and hear things they can’t.”

“You mean like seeing and hearing ghosts?” Johnny asked.

“Yes, like a ghost.”

“Here we go again,” Johnny said and shook his head from side to side.

Frank knelt down on one knee so he could talk to his new friend. “Where did you see a ghost, Simon?”

“You don’t believe me, do you?”

“Yes I do, actually.”

“Well some days he comes onto the pier and talks to me.”

“Where does he come from?”

“From the lake. He told me I have something called ESP and that because I have it I can see and hear him when no one else can. When this ESP is working I can almost talk normal, but I have no control over when it comes or goes.”

“Wow. Does this ghost have a name?”

PART TWO

“His name is Jack Desmond, but I call him Cap.”

“Why is that?”

“He was the captain of the Island Queen, a ferry that ran from town to the island, the big one you see out there. People live on the island and he used to run the ferry back and forth.

“I see! Why does he talk to you?”

“I guess because I can see and hear him.”

“Not to be nosey or anything, but is this spirit a restless one?”

“I knew you would ask me that. Yes it is.”

“Frank,” Johnny interrupted, “Dad told us not to get into mischief while we were here, remember?”

“Stuff it, Johnny! I’m only asking Simon a few questions.” He turned back to face Simon, and asked, “So why is his spirit restless?”

“Cap’s been dead for more than six years and the cops never found out who killed him.”

“Now you’ve got my interest. Go on!”

“He told me how he died. He was murdered.”

“Did he know who did it?”

“He said that the guy’s name was Ken Haskell, a drunk from the island.”

Johnny looked towards the end of the pier and could see Simon’s dad leaving the house. “If we’re going to make it look like we’re fishing with Simon, Frank, we better get our rods. Simon’s dad is on his way here,” Johnny said.

“Get my rod too, will ya? Simon! When can we see you again? I want to know more about this ghost.”

“Come tomorrow morning. I’m out here everyday unless it rains.”

“Your dad is almost here.”

“How’s it going with Simon?” Ken asked Johnny as he put the rods on the dock.

“I think we’ve made a friend, sir. He wants us to fish with him,” Johnny replied.

“My wife will be out in a minute, to meet you boys.”

“That’s nice,” Johnny said and they both walked to the end of the dock. “Here’s your rod, Frank.”

The Dever brothers baited their hooks and casted out into the lake.

Moments later Mrs. Diggs heads out and onto the dock. “Good afternoon,” she said as she neared the four men.

Frank turned to face Simon’s mother, a woman he figured to be in her mid-thirties. “Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m Frank Devers and this is my brother Johnny.”

“It’s nice to meet you both. How did the conversation go with Simon?”

“He seems like a nice kid, ma’am, and we both would sure like to be his friend.”

“Then you were able to talk to him?”

“Yes we were, but it was a slow conversation. He doesn’t speak fast.”

“How well I know. It’s nice to have friends, right Simon?”

“Frank…..and…..Johnny…..are…..my…..friends,” Simon replied, his voice having returned to the non-esp-induced state.

“I’m glad they came to see you.”

“Can I ask a question, ma’am?” Frank asked.

“Sure!”

“We have an extra lifejacket in our boat. Could we take Simon out on the boat fishing with us sometime?”

Mrs. Diggs looked at her husband and he looked back at her.

“It would do him a world of good, Ken,” she replied and looked again to her husband to corroborate it.

“As long as you go slow and stay within sight of the house, I’ll permit it,” Ken said.

“It’s almost time for us to be getting back for our supper, but if it’s a nice day tomorrow, can we come by and take Simon out?” Frank asked.

“I’ve got to go to work tomorrow, but Eileen will be home. Just make sure he has a life jacket on at all times. Does that sound good, Simon?”

“Yes…!” Simon exclaimed and a faint smile formed on his face.

“What time will you boys be here?” Eileen Diggs asked.

“Not too early. I’d say around nine o’clock. Will that be good?” Frank asked.

“I’ll have him waiting and ready. Thank you!” She said and turned to go back to the house.

“I’m trusting you boys to take care of Simon while he’s on your boat.”

“I’ve been boating since I was eleven, Mr. Diggs and I haven’t had any accidents with it. We’ll all be sitting down fishing, so we’ll be just fine.”

“Okay, then, you three have a good time tomorrow.”

“Thank you, sir,” Johnny said and reeled in his fishing line.

“Simon! We’ll be back tomorrow and we’ll take you fishing on the boat with us, okay?” Frank asked.

“Okay…!” Simon replied in a detached voice.

The two boys returned to their boat and moments later they were on their way back to where they were staying.

After supper the two Devers brothers were on the dock fishing.

“I wonder why this ghost spends so much time with Simon. He must know Simon isn’t mentally right,” Frank stated to his brother.

“Maybe it’s just that his spirit has someone to talk to. I don’t know. I’m not the ghost expert here. That’s your department,” Johnny replied.

“Maybe tomorrow we’ll get to see this Cap and find out what he needs.”

“What do you mean we? I never agreed to do this ghost thingy with you.”

“In that case then you keep an eye on Simon and I’ll deal with Cap.”

“But Simon and this ghost are already friends and well kinda anyway. I’ll just sit back and fish. Maybe this ghost will spook some fish my way.”

Neither brother mentioned Simon to their parents, so the next morning it was supposed to be just another day’s fishing on the boat and nothing else.

“Do you boys want some soda to take with you?” Their mother asked as they started towards the door.

“Thanks, Mom! It could be a little warm out there on the boat,” Frank replied.

“I’ll give you both two cans. Do you need anything else?”

“Do you have any cookies?” Johnny asked, thinking about their new friend.

“I’ll put some in a bag for you two.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

At ten to nine the boys were in the boat and were headed towards the dock at the Diggs’ house. Just before nine Frank pulled up to the dock and tied the boat up to it.

“Where’s Simon, Frank?” Johnny asked.

“I guess I’ll have to go to the house and get him.”

“His mother knows you’re here and Simon will be out in a moment,” an ominous voice said to the two boys.

“Who said that?” Johnny asked and looked around to see who was there. “Frank! There’s nobody here. What’s going on?”

Frank remained calm for he knew it had to be the voice of Cap Desmond. “Is this Cap?” He asked as he stepped onto the dock from the boat.

“Aye, son, I am Captan Jack Desmond,” the voice replied

.

“Will you be with us today?”

“Aye, lad, I will that. Set yer boat ashore on this end of the island. You will see me there.”

“But I’m supposed to stay within sight of Simon’s house.”

The voice of Captain Desmond dissipates as Simon and his mother approach the dock from the house.

“Get the lifejacket, will ya Johnny?” Frank asked as Simon walked up to him. Good morning, Simon.”

“I…go…fishing…with…you…today,” Simon said as his mother walked around him.”

“It’s hard to know if he’s excited about fishing or not,” she said as Johnny handed her the lifejacket.

“He’ll be fine, ma’am, once we get to fishing. I saw a spot near the island that looked good. We brought some snacks and soda, so I might pull up to the beach on the island so he doesn’t choke while eating.”

“You seem to have a level head on your shoulders, young man. I’ll allow it so he can eat and drink. Thank you!”

“Let me help you into the boat, Simon,” Frank said and held his hand as he stepped down and into the boat. “Okay, I want you to sit in the middle seat between Johnny and I,”

“Okay…!” Simon replied and sat down where he stood.

“Here’s his fishing rod. Does he need anything else?” His mother asked Frank.

“We have everything he’ll need, ma’am.”

“What time can I expect you boys back here?”

“I’ll take a guess and say about one o’clock. If we’re a little late, don’t get worried, okay?”

“Okay!” Mrs. Diggs said with a slight chuckle and watched as the boat pulled away from the dock.

PART THREE

Simon kept looking back to make sure he was out of his mother’s hearing range. He then turned to Frank, and asked point blank, “You talked to Cap today, didn’t you?”

“Yes I did, but how’d you know?”

“When you helped me get into the boat, your hand touched mine. That’s the only way I can read people’s thoughts. A lot of times I just say nothing.”

“You are one special and unique person, Simon.”

Frank’s kind words reached deep into Simon’s heart. “You and Johnny are my very first real friends. I didn’t think I’d ever have friends outside of Cap, and he’s just a ghost.”

“It looks like we’ll get to see him when we get to the island.”

“We’re not that far away now, Frank,” Johnny said as he watched the island come closer and closer.

“Have you ever been to the island, Simon?”

“Nope, never have.”

“I wonder where he wants us to go. Can you see a beach or clearing somewhere, so that we can pull the boat up to, Johnny?”

“I see a clearing that would be good. If that’s a beach, it’s a small one.”

“Which way?”

“To the left a little.”

Frank moves the handle on the motor so that the bow swings and turns to the left.

“That’s good! Now go straight.”

Even though he hadn’t been going fast, Frank slowed the motor down as they approached a small deserted beach on the northern tip of the island. Frank noticed that the water was crystal clear as the boat touched bottom and came to an abrupt stop.

Johnny hopped out of the boat and with little effort he was able to pull the aluminum boat onto shore, while Frank tilted the motor and lifted the propellers out of the water.

“Do you need help getting out, Simon?” Johnny asked.

“I can climb out. Thanks!” Simon replied.

Frank followed Simon and all three young men were then on the beach that they hoped Cap would meet them on.

“Okay, Cap, we’re here,” Frank said and looked from one end of the small beach to the other, as well as into the woods behind it.

“Why do you look for me on land? I’m not a landlubber,” the ghost of Captain Desmond replied as his grayish form emerges from the water.

“Oh wow! So this is what a ghost looks like in the daylight,” Johnny gasped when he saw the form float towards the three of them.

“And what did you expect, lad, a white sheet, or a Casper the Friendly Ghost?” Cap asked as his form stopped just short of where they stood.

“These are my friends, Cap. This is Frank and that’s Johnny,” Simon said and pointed to each one as he said his name.

“This is the first time Johnny’s seen a ghost. He’s heard one before, but the last time, when your brother saw one, you didn’t go into the house with him, did you?”

“No sir, I didn’t,” Johnny replied and wiped the perspiration that was forming on his forehead.

“Excuse me, Cap, but why did you want to see us?” Frank asked.

“Aye, lad, you’re a smart one. I saw that in ya when you touched Simon’s hand the first time.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was able to see what ya did fer that Conway ghost back home. You done good.”

“Thanks, but what does that have to do with me here?”

“You already know that my spirit is a restless spirit, right?”

“Well yeah!”

“And ya knows enough about us ghosts to know that something’s just not right for my spirit to keep from going to the other side.”

“In other words, your spirit needs to be appeased.”

“Exactly!”

“How can we help?”

“The night I died, Ken Haskell stole the tape from my camera. It’s that tape that would put him behind bars.”

“Simon mentioned a Ken Haskell, but doesn’t he live on the island?’”

“Yes, laddie, he does. He still has that tape hidden in his house, but as a ghost I can’t touch it. My hands just go through it.”

“Why haven’t you told this to anyone before?”

“Not many people believe in ghosts, laddie. The only ones who can see em are the ones who believes in em. I only told Simon because I was a hopin that someday he’d find an older friend who might be able to go and get it away from Haskell.”

“You’ve got to remember something, Cap. Even if we were able to find his house, we can’t just break in and steal it. We could get into trouble ourselves. I’ve seen enough cop shows on television to know that.”

“I’ll tell you what, m’boy. I can’t do anything now, but once my spirit has been appeased there’s something I can do for your new friend.”

“Simon? What?”

Captain Desmond turns and his ghostly spirit returns to the lake.

PART FOUR

“So what are we going to do now, Frank?” Johnny asked as they all watched Cap’s spirit disappear into the water.

“We came to take Simon fishing and that’s what we’re going to do,” Frank said and turned towards the water. “Cap, if you can hear me, spook some fish our way for Simon, will ya?”

“Do you think he will?”

We won’t know until we get to fishing, now will we?” Frank asked and looked at Simon. “Are you ready to do some fishing, Simon?”

“I…..like…..fishing…..” Simon replied.

Both Dever brothers could see that Simon was back to his diseased state.

“Let’s get into the boat, Simon,” Frank said and helped him get back inside. He helped his brother get the boat to the edge of the water and both boys climbed in.

“Where are we going to fish, Frank?” Johnny asked as he grabbed his rod.

“I want to pull out here a ways and we’ll drop anchor. Can you bait Simons hook for him?

Frank decided not to fish so he could help Simon in case his help was needed.

“Can you cast it out yourself, Simon?” Frank asked once the anchor was dropped.

“Yes… I….can,” Simon replied and took his rod and cast out into the lake.

“Nice cast, Simon,” Johnny said and cast his own line out.

Using no bobber the bait sat on the bottom of the lake. Fifteen minutes passed when Simon’s rod tip bent.

“Set the hook, Simon,” Frank said instinctively.

Simon had caught small fish before, from his dock, but nothing as big as what he had on his line then.

“Simon….got….a….big….fish,” he said and started to reel his line in.

Frank could see that the fish was not a small one and he grabbed the net as he watched his friend reel in.

“It’s a good one, Simon,” Johnny said as he could see the fish in the clear water. “Wow…!”

Almost five minutes later Frank slipped the net under the fish and brought it on board.

“Is that a lake trout Frank?” Johnny asked.

“I think so. It’s got to be about 24” long too. Nice job Simon.”

A huge smile crossed their friend’s face as Frank unhooked the fish and tied a line to it to keep it from getting away.

“Guess what Simon’s going to have for breakfast tomorrow?”

“Simon….have….fish… for….breakfast…,” Simon replied his smile even more prominent now that the fish was in the boat.

The three boys fished until just after twelve, with Johnny catching one and Simon getting a second fish but not as big as his first.

Once the anchor was in the boat and Frank had the motor running, Johnny asked, “Have you decided what to do yet?”

“I’ll think about that when we’re at home, when I don’t have to keep my eye on our friend,” Frank said as they could see Simon’s house coming into view.

The closer they got they could see that Simon’s mom was sitting in the chair at the end of the dock and waiting for her son. It looks like your mom’s waiting for you Simon,” Frank said and slowed the motor as he approached the dock.

Johnny climbed out with the tie rope in hand.

“How did you guys make out?” Mrs. Diggs asked as Simon stood up to climb out of the boat.

“Wait till we get Simon out of here safely and we’ll let him tell you,” Frank said with a smile and handed her Simon’s fishing rod.

Simon climbed onto the dock and then Frank handed him his fish. “Here you go, Simon, these are yours.”

“Are you serious?” His mother asked, as her mouth dropped open when she saw the size of the fish.

“Tell her Simon.”

“Simon….catch….two….fish. Simon….want….fish….for….breakfast,” he replied with pride. A smile once again graces his face.

“How can I ever thank you?” She asked as she tried to take the fish from her son.

“My….fish,” he said.

“It looks like you’ll have a hard time getting them away from him now, Mrs. Diggs,” Frank chuckled. “The smile on his face is all the thanks we need. Simon…! We’ll drop by to see you tomorrow, okay?”

“Simon turned towards the two boys, and replied, “Okay…!” He waved to them as the boat pulled away from the dock.

The boys returned to the cottage where they were staying and after cleaning the fish Johnny caught they both headed out to the dock. They baited their hooks and cast their lines into the water, but Frank was then ready to plan his next move.

“I don’t like the gleam in your eyes Frank,” Johnny said with a slight chuckle as he sat back in his chair.

“I’ve got a lot to think about,” Frank admitted back to his brother.

“Like what?”

“I somehow have to convince the police that I’m not just a crazy teenager.”

“What would make them think that in the first place?”

“What would you think if some strange teenager told you that he had information about a six year old murder and that the information came from a ghost?”

“Now I get your point. What do you plan to do?”

“That’s why I’m out here thinking.”

The two brothers fished all afternoon and by five o’clock Frank came up with a plan that could go either way, but he knew he had to try something. They would only be therefore two weeks and two days have already passed and are behind them.

“I’m going into town tomorrow, by myself,” Frank said.

“How?”

“I’m taking the boat to the town landing. It will cost me two bucks to moor it there while I’m in town, but that’s okay. “I’ve got thirty bucks with me.”

“So what’s the plan?”

Frank explained the plan to his brother.

“Whew! You’ve got guts. I’d never try something like that.”

“I’d like to believe I’m helping out two people.”

“Simon and who else?”

“Cap!”

“Cap is a ghost, not a person.”

“I know that, but I’d still like to help him.”

The next morning Frank was as ready as he could be to execute his plan. He took the boat to the town landing. Once it was moored he then went to look for the Police Station.

His hands were clammy as he nervously went inside.

The officer behind the counter saw him come in, and asked, “Can I help you, young man?”

“Yes, thanks. I’d like to talk to the Chief of Police, please,” Frank said.

“And your name is?”

“Frank Devers, sir?”

“Can I tell him what this is about?”

“I’d like to keep this between him and I, for now, if I could, please.”

“I’ll be right back, son.”

The officer left the counter and as he returned, moments later, a tall, almost bald, officer came out from a side room at the same time.

“Frank Devers?” He asked as he opened the door.

“Yes, sir!”

“Follow me, young man.

Frank followed the chief into his office.

“Please sit down, son,” he said politely. As he took a seat behind his desk, he said, “I’m Chief Talbot, the Chief of Police. Now what’s this all about, young man?”

“I don’t really know where to begin, sir,” Frank admitted nervously.

“Why don’t you just start at the beginning?”

Frank went into meticulous detail about Simon and also about Captain Desmond.

“I guess that’s about it, sir,” Frank concluded.

Chief Talbot started laughing hysterically in a deep and disbelieving manner and then finally saiad, “I’ve heard some pretty good stories in my day, son, but this has to be tops.”

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me, so I came here prepared to back up my claims,” Frank stated as he sat upright in the chair.

“And just how do you plan to go about proving this ghost story, son?” The Chief asked as he placed his elbows on his desk.

PART FIVE

“This is not the first time I’ve helped the police solve a murder case because of a ghost.”

“Really…?”

“Do me a favor, Chief, and call Sheriff Connors in Hubbardston. Ask him if he knows a Frank Devers and ask him to tell you about the Abbott Conway murder from twenty-five years ago.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“Yes, sir…!”

“One second,” Chief Talbot said and picked up the phone. He depressed a button, and then said, “Carla! Get a hold of a Sheriff Connors in Hubbardston. Let me know when you have him on the line.” While he waited, he looked at Frank, and said, “If what you say is true, young man, I still have a lot of legal problems to solve to get that tape into my possession.”

The phone rang and Chief Talbot picked up the receiver.

“I’ve got Sheriff Connors on line one, Chief,” Carla Simonds said.

“Thanks Carla,” he said and pushed the button for line one. “Is this Sheriff Connors?”

“I’m Sheriff Connors. Who’s this?” Sheriff Connors replied.

“This is Chief Talbot, in Dawson Lake. I’ve got a question for you, Sheriff.”

“What’s that?”

“Do you know a teenager by the name of Frank Devers?”

“I should say I do. If it weren’t for him I’d still have a twenty-five year old unsolved murder on my files. How do you know Frankie?”

“He just told me some wild story about a ghost who helped him solve it.”

“You better believe him, because it’s true. What’s this all about, anyways?”

“I’ve got him in my office right now with another wild story about seeing the ghost of a man who was murdered six years ago, and that case is unsolved. I laughed at the lad because the ghost supposedly gave him the name of the man who murdered him and also where the evidence is that could put him behind bars.”

“If Frankie told you that, Chief, I’d take it to the bank as being correct no matter how far-fetched the story sounds.”

“And I’m supposed to go to the D.A. with a ghost’s story as my only evidence?”

“I felt the same way. There’s something about that Devers boy. He’s either a clairvoyant, or something, but don’t take what he says lightly. He’ll make one helluva cop when he grows up.”

“Thanks, Sheriff, I owe you one.” Chief Talbot hung the phone up and looked Frank straight in the eyes, and said, “Okay, young man, so you’re telling me the truth. It’s going to take me a while to get used to the idea that we’re trying to solve this case with the help of a ghost. Where are you staying?”

“I’m staying at the Richard’s cottage up on Collins Road.”

“I know the place. Are you going to be there later today?”

“From about supper on, yeah…!”

“Do your parents know anything about this?”

“Not yet! Why?”

“You better tell them what’s going on. That way, when I show up, they won’t be scared out of their wits.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“I don’t even know at the moment. Everything’s got to be done by the books or the case could be thrown out of court.”

“Can I go now, sir?”

“Yes and thank you.”

As Frank left the office, Chief Talbot picked up the phone and punched the number for the outer office. “Carla! Get the D.A. on the phone. If Jan is not available then patch me through to the assistant D.A. Laurie Goodwyn.”

“Yes sir,” Carla replied and she set about the task.

Moments later the phone rang in the Chief’s office and he was quick to answer it.

“I have the assistant D.A. on line three, Chief,” Carla said.

“Thank you,” he replied and pushed the button for line three. “Miss Goodwyn, this is Chief Talbot at Dawson Lake.”

“What can I do for you, Chief?” She asked bluntly.”

“I’ve got a situation here at the lake and I need some help and advice. I’d prefer we meet and not discuss this over the phone.”

“What kind of a case?”

“A six year old murder and we might not get another shot at solving it.”

“How soon can you meet me at the courthouse?”

“I can be there by noon.”

“I’ll see you by the front of the courthouse at noon.”

*

Frank returned to the cottage and Johnny was at the dock when he pulled in. “How’d you make out?” His brother asked as he tied the boat up to the dock.

“The one thing I didn’t want to do was to tell dad and mom, but that’s what I have to do. You stay here. I want to do this alone,” Frank insisted and headed for the house

“Have fun,” Johnny chided sarcastically.

Frank went inside and both parents were watching the television. “Can I talk to you both, please?” Frank asked as he grabbed a seat at the table.

Frank’s father knew the tone of his son’s voice, as he remembered it from when he was told about Abbott. “You did it again, didn’t you?” His father asked as he got up from the couch.

“For some reason this gift I’ve got just happens, dad.”

“Let’s sit down at the table son.”

His parents joined him at the table and Frank explained everything to them.

“It seems as though the Police will be taking it from here, Frank. You did the right thing by going to them,” his father admitted.

“I’m just doing what Chief Talbot told me to do, dad, and that was to tell you two. If he comes by this afternoon you won’t have to get nervous or upset.”

“He’s a smart cop. What are your plans now?” His mother asked.

“I’d really like to go and see Simon. He’s got nobody but Cap to talk to. I told the Chief I’d be here after five.”

“Make sure you do come back here in case he shows up, his dad added and stood up at the table.

As Frank reached the dock, Johnny asked, “Where are you going now?”

“To see Simon, are you coming?”

Johnny reeled in his line and left it on the dock. He untied the boat and climbed in/ Frank started the motor and they were off to see Simon.

Chief Talbot reached the courthouse almost fifteen minutes early and waited outside for the assistant D.A. Ten minutes later he gets a tap on the shoulder.

“Are you expecting someone, Chief?” Laura asked with a smile.

“Yeah, you…! Have you eaten lunch yet, Miss Goodwyn?”

“Not yet I haven’t. Are you buying?”

“I just need you sitting down when I tell you what I’ve got. Let’s go and have lunch and we can discuss this, okay?”

“Okay, but this sounds more serious than you let on over the phone.”

“Let’s go in my car,” the Chief said as they headed that direction.

Once the two are situated in the restaurant, with their meals ordered, she asked, “Okay, so what’s this all about?”

Chief Talbot gave her a detailed report including his conversation with the Sheriff in Hubbardston.

“I’m an assistant D.A., Chief, and you expect me to believe this?”

“I really don’t have any choice, Laura.”

“Then what’s your next move?”

“I can’t get a search warrant because I don’t have enough evidence to get one.”

“I agree, but you didn’t come all the way down here just to tell me that.”

“No I didn’t. I do have a plan, but I need your input and legal advice.”

“I’m listening,” she said as their meal arrived.

Chief Talbot explained his plan, in every aspect and detail.

“Wow! Believe it or not, this plan sounds plausible, however, if he really is a murder than we are risking the life of a female officer. You can’t wire her in case he gets frisky, and after a few drinks he may just be that.”

“We could place a bug on her purse so we could hear every word. If he admits to murdering Desmond, then we have enough to break in there and arrest him. The warrant we could get later.”

“This better be by the book, Chief. No searching of the residence until that warrant arrives. Understood?”

“I understand! Do you want to be in on this?”

“I just need to be kept abreast of all the details. I’m the one who has to have a judge ready to sign the search warrant.”

When Chief Talbot returns to town, he heads straight to the Richard’s cottage. It’s almost six o’clock when he arrived outside the home. He walked around to the front of the house, facing the lake and knocked on the door.

“Good evening officer. What can I do for you?” Mr. Devers asked when he opened the door.

“Good evening. I’m Chief Talbot. Is Frankie home?”

“I’m right here, Chief,” Frank said and went through the door and onto the porch.

“I need you to get some information from that ghost friend of yours,” the Chief replied.

“What do you need, sir?”

“I need you to talk to Desmond and find out what bar Ken Haskell frequents.”

“Why…?”

“I can’t tell you, son. You’re better off not knowing.”

“I won’t find out tonight, sir, but I’ll do it tomorrow,” Frank admits.

“If you can, son, bring that information to the station tomorrow, or call the station and ask for me.”

PART SIX

The next morning Frank was eager to see Simon and more eager to talk to Desmond. Because of the importance of his visit and the fact he would be going to town right afterwards, Frank went to see Simon by himself.

As expected Simon was sitting on the dock when Frank pulled the boat up alongside. After tying the boat up to it, he climbed out and went to see his friend.

“Good morning Simon,” Frank said as he looked at his friend.

“Cap is here, Frank, and he knows you need to ask him a question,” Simon said, his words not slow or slurred.

“Your ESP is working this morning.”

“Yes, because it’s important what you have to ask Cap. Go ahead and ask him.”

“Why can’t I see you, Cap?”

“You just need to know I’m here, my friend. I don’t need to be seen. The answer to your question is the Marina Bar. It’s the only place he goes and he goes there every Friday and Saturday nights.” That’s the information the Chief needs.”

“Okay Cap. Will I ever get to see you again?”

“If my spirit is appeased, lad, as you’re trying to help make it do, then you’ll get to see me one more time.”

“We’re gonna miss you, Cap, and for a ghost, you’re kinda cool.”

“Me thanks ya matey. Ye be a good lad, like me young friend Simon here.”

“Thank you, sir. You said something about helping Simon if your spirit is appeased, right?”

“That I did, me boy.”

“How can you help him? He was born with this disease, whatever it is?”

“Up to now you’ve trusted what your eyes could see, right?”

“Yeah…!”

“Now trust me with what your heart feels. I made a promise to ya and I’m gonna keep it, but me spirit needs ta be set free.”

“I’m working on it. I’ve got to go to town, with this information, and give it to Chief Talbot. Simon! I’ll be back to see you later, okay.”

Simon looked at his friend, with tears streaking down his face and said, “You are doing this to help me?”

“That’s one of the reasons, Simon, yes. I’m also doing it for Cap, so that his spirit can be set free. Don’t cry! I have no idea what Cap has in mind, but I’m sure it’s good. I’ll be back later. I’ve got to get going.”

Bye Frank!” Simon said as his friend returned to the boat.

Moments later Frank was heading towards town and a visit with the Chief of Police.

The desk Sergeant had been notified that the Chief was waiting for Frank Devers and where Frank knew where the Chief’s office was, he was allowed to enter.

Frank knocked on the door to his office, out of respect, and the Chief opened the door for him.

“I’ve been waiting for you, young man. Please sit down. Do you have that information?”

As Frank took a seat, he said, “It’s the Marina Bar and he goes there every Friday and Saturday night.”

“This Cap Desmond doesn’t miss a trick. Okay! From here on out you are not on this case, okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve done all you can. Now it’s for the Police to handle. We’re going to get him and we have you to thank for it.”

“Will you let me know when you catch him?”

“I guess I owe you that much, don’t I? It will be my pleasure. Now go and enjoy your vacation here at Lake Dawson.

“Thank you, sir,” Frank said and left the Chief’s office.

Friday night, after many plans, Chief Talbot, along with a small task force supplied by the state and Sergeant Myrna Lang, a shapely Sergeant with the county’s Sheriff’s Department who’s been trained for jobs like this, are ready for the night ahead.

One non-uniformed officer will be in the bar while they are inside. Three officers will go to the Island and be stationed in the woods outside the suspect’s home. Chief Talbot will be stationed inside his boat at the ferry dock on the Island, with two more officers, once the suspect returns with Sergeant Lang via the ferry. Until that time they are stationed at the mooring at the edge of town, where they have a clear view of the ferry as it unloads.

“The ferry is coming in, Chief,” Officer Daniels says as he looked through a pair of binoculars. It looks like there are only a few passengers on board.”

“Let me see those. I know what Haskell looks like. We’ve had a few run-ins with him in the past. He likes to drink,” Chief Talbot said and grabbed the binoculars.

Ken Haskell was in the front of the line of six people as he was anxious to start his night long drinking spree.

Chief Talbot grabbed his two-way radio and keyed the mike, “Unit one to unit two. The suspect is leaving the ferry and should be there in about three minutes. Maintain radio silence until he leaves with Sergeant Lang. Over and out…!”

Sergeant Lang was already inside the bar at a table by herself. After getting a nod by the un-uniformed officer Brad Davis, she new her suspect would be there shortly. She’d been given a description of the man and kept her eye on the door.

The five-foot six balding Ken Haskell entered the bar and went straight to his usual table and grabbed a seat. After being served He started drinking.

Myrna waited until he’d had a few drinks in him before she approached the table, and asked, “Are ya drinking alone, stranger?”

Haskell looked up and saw the shapely blonde, and stood up as he replied, “Not any more, ma’am. Have a seat.”

Myrna grabbed a seat right beside him where she could hold a conversation and keep it down to where he could hear her, but not to where others could. Her lines were unique to the situation she was in. In a soft sexy voice, she said, “I’m looking for a real brute tonight. Some of my ex-boyfriends have been bank robbers, cop molesters, and things like that, but it’s been a dry spell lately. Are you a bad-ass?”

“Well kinda, but I never got caught,” Haskell replied kind of shy.

“Oh baby, sounds so cool. What did ya do?” she asked and placed her elbows down on the table and played like she was listening intently.

“I wasted this guy, but the cops never caught me?”

“Oh really…? I never done a murderer, but I can’t picture someone like you doing someone in. Are ya sure you just ain’t tryin ta pick up this crazy broad?”

“I can prove it, but I can’t do it here. We need to go back to my place. I stole the camera that took my picture doing it.”

“Oh baby, now you’ve started a fire in me. This I gotta see.”

“Let’s finish our drinks. The ferry back to the island doesn’t leave for another twenty minutes and we’re only three minutes from the ferry.”

“Oh, and you live on the island too? Awesome…!”

Sergeant Lang played her role to the hilt and had Haskell almost eating out of her hand.

Chief Talbot heard every word she said and it was being taped as well, so he had enough to get a search warrant. He grabbed the two-way radio and called the station. “Unit One to Central. Come in…!”

“Go ahead, Unit One. This is Central.”

“On my desk is the number of the Assistant D.A. Give her a call and let her know we have Haskell’s taped confession and we should have the tape when we make the arrest, but I still want that Search Warrant, just in case.

“Roger, Unit One. We’re on it.

“Unit Two to Unit One…! The suspect is leaving the bar with Sergeant Lang.”

“Roger, Unit Two. Over and out…!” Chief Talbot starts the motor and pulled out of the dock before Haskell could see him, where he was preoccupied with Lang. Ten minutes later, as they pull into the dock at the Island, Chief Talbot once again uses the two-way radio. “Unit One to Unit Three, come in.”

“Go ahead Chief, this is Unit Three,” came a response from the other end of the radio.

“The suspect is with the decoy, on the Ferry and is enroute to the Island. We have a taped confession, but do not apprehend just yet. He’s supposed to be showing her the video of the murder, so the need for a warrant might not be necessary. I will keep you apprised. Over…!”

“Roger. Three clear…!”

As the ferry pulled up to the dock, on the island, Ken Haskell was preoccupied with Miss Lang.

“Come on! My place is just up here a bit,” Ken said and stepped off the ferry, with Miss Lang right behind him.

She saw the Chief’s boat and knew the men were in place. She followed Mr. Haskell to his home and entered as though there was nothing wrong.

“Okay, big boy, let’s see what ya got, if you want some of this,” she said as she removed her jacket and exposed her cleavage for him to see.

“Have a seat, Myrna and I’ll get the tape.

While he was in the other room, Myrna set her purse on the coffee table with the bug near to where they were talking.

A moment later he returned and placed the video into the VCR and turned on the television set.

“Are you ready?”

“You’re on. Go for the moon.”

He flipped a switch and the video came to life and she abruptly sat up straight and wanted to throw up, but her professionalism had to be maintained. “Boy, you beat him to a pulp. Like you are really one tough bad-ass…!”

“So do I get the prize?”

“You sure do,” She replied as the front door smashed open with a battering ram by the Police.

“Put your hands in the air, Mr. Haskell,” Chief Talbot said with his service revolver in his hand.

“What the hell is this?” Haskell asked as he raised his hands.

“This is what’s called a set-up, Ken. Nice job Sergeant Lang.”

“You mean to tell me she’s a damned cop?”

Yes, sir, and she did what she came here to do, and that’s to nab you for Captain Jack Desmond’s murder.”

The next morning was Saturday, and was a bright sunny morning as Chief Talbot made a trip to the Richard’s cottage.

As he approached the front door the door swung open for him. “How’d you make out, Chief?” Frank asked, as he was joined on the porch with his brother and parents.

“Mr. and Mrs Devers. You two have every right to be proud of your son. Because of his abilities and willingness to see this through, we were able to apprehend Mr. Ken Haskell for the murder of Jack Desmond. Whatever this gift is, that your son has, nurture it, for our police departments can use his assistance, but preferably when he’s older and knows more how to use it.”

“So you caught the guy?” Mr. Devers asked.

“We have our own techniques, sir, but we were able to get a taped confession of the murder as well as getting the tape that will send him away for life.”

“Can I go tell Simon now, dad?” Frank asked.

“What’s the hurry, son?” His mother asked.

“This may sound strange, but Cap told us that if we were able to appease his spirit, that he would help Simon, but he never said how.

“How about we all go over there, son,” Chief Talbot said. “I’m sure your parents and I would both like to see this.

“Can I ride in the cruiser, Chief,” Johnny asked.

“You both can. You folks want to ride along?” He asked and looked at Frank’s parents.

“Sure…! We’ll be right there,” Frank’s dad replied and he closed the door.

Eight minutes later the cruiser pulled up in front of the Diggs’ home and both Mr. and Mrs. Diggs were quick to come out as Frank exited the car with the others right behind him.

“Hi Frankie…! What’s going on?” Mr. Diggs asked.

“Maybe we should go and sit down, sir,” Frankie said and they all went over to the picnic table and grabbed a seat.

“The other day, when we came here for the first time, we found out that Simon has ESP,” Frankie started.

“How do you know this?” Simon’s mom asked.

“When I touched his hand the ESP kicked in and he talked to me almost like a normal boy. He can only talk like that when the ESP is working.”

“Go on, son,” the Chief said.

“Well we found out that Simon has a friend, but that his friend is a ghost.”

Mrs. Diggs brought her hand to her mouth and started to cry.

“This is not a bad thing, Mrs. Diggs. It’s actually a good thing, but let me continue. The day we took your son fishing with us, we saw this ghost, all three of us. We found out that the ghost was the ghost of Capitan Jack Desmond, the ferry boat captain who was murdered six years ago.”

“So what does he have to do with our son?”

“I’m getting to that. He told us how he was murdered and by who. He also told us where the information was that could put the man behind bars. Before he disappeared back into the lake, he said that if we could appease his spirit, so that he could return to the other side, that he could do something for our friend Simon, but he never said what. That’s why we are here. They caught the man who murdered Cap, so now his spirit has been appeased. I’m hoping he keeps his word and will somehow help Simon.

“Simon is out on the dock in his chair, Frank,” Mr. Diggs said.

“You may not get to see Cap, but Simon and I will. Let me go out and see if Cap is around and keeps his word.

Frank stood up and headed for the dock with Johnny right behind him.

“I’m coming too, Frank,” Johnny said and ran to catch up to his brother.

As they stepped onto the pier the spirit of Captain Jack Davis rose out of the water a few feet in front of the dock.

“Simon! I want you to stand up, lad,” Cap said and Simon stood up. “Now you’ve got to trust me, boy, if you want to be normal again.

Both Frank and Johnny stopped when they saw Cap’s spirit.

“What’s going on, Frank…?” Johnny asked.

“I don’t know, but I don’t think we’re going to be a part of it. Just watch…!”

“Okay, Simon, I want you to step out off the dock and come to me.”

Simon said nothing but went to the end of the dock and slid under the rail. As he reached the other side his body straightened up but he was floating in mid-air..

“Oh my God…!” Mrs Diggs cried. “He’s going to drown.

“Hold on. Something’s happening, Mrs. Diggs…! He’s floating. He’s walking on air,” Chief Talbot said and couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Frank! You and your brother come to the end of the dock,” Cap instructed the two boys.

Both boys ran to the end of the dock. “What’s happening, Cap?”

“My spirit is going to go inside Simon’s. When my spirit leaves it’s going to take the disease away from him, and them I’m going to have him walk back to the dock. When he gets to the other side he’ll be a normal boy again. His parents are both nervous, as their son is suspended in air over the water, but I made a promise and I’m going to keep it. I want you to know that with the disease goes the ESP. He will no longer have ESP. Understood…?”

“We understand Cap, and thanks,” Frank said.

The boys, as well as those who were on shore, watched as Simon’s body remained suspended over the water. They could not see Cap as his spirit went into the young body of Simon Diggs, but Frank and Johnny could. As his spirit exited Simon’s body, the disease which almost all but made a vegetable out of the young Simon Diggs was removed from his body.

Simon turned and walked on air back to the dock. As both feet touched the dock he stood up and hugged both Frank and Johnny.

“Do you know what you guys did for me?” Simon asked.

Simon’s parents, as well as the Devers and Chief Talbot, all raced onto the dock to see what happened.

Simon looked down the dock and could see his mother and dad running towards him. As they neared him, he said, “I’m normal now, mom, thanks to my friends here I can live a normal life. Cap just took the disease away from me.

Tears flowed like a river as they both hugged their son and couldn’t stop.

“I think it’s time we got out of here. Simon has a lot of catching up to do with his parents,” Frank said as he and his brother headed down the dock towards his parents.