The Ghost of St. Elmo

By L. Parks Sanford

Living an adventurous and suspenseful winter in the middle of the Colorado Rockies was the last thing Ian expected from his student merit award. Missing his best friend, Zack, and all his other friends was what he thought about most. That apprehension would soon be replaced with danger,intrigue, new friendships and an unbreakable bond with his Colorado host family and their daughter, Katie. He would soon become involved in discovering secret rooms, old mines, underground waterfalls, and the secret of French Pete and the Ghost of St. Elmo. What secret did the hidden room hold and would the underground waterfalls hold the answers to many of the mysteries that had long been unanswered in these haunted mountains? The strange flickering lights that would appear mysteriously in the high hills behind the ranch would only add to the intrigue and suspicions. Someone or some thing definitely wanted Ian to go back to where he came from. But, who and why? Could it be worth his life? In his latest book, "The Ghost of St. Elmo," L.Parks Sanford weaves this suspense and action filled novel with more twists and turns than the young characters involved can possibly believe. The true mystery takes place in and around the old mining town of St. Elmo. Would their lives in constant danger, force them to ask the question....Do ghosts really exist? With their lives hanging in the balance, the answer may haunt them, forever. This is a novel not to be missed. Can you solve the mystery before they do? This is the second book in the series with the adventures of Ian and Zack, the first one being, "The Mystery of Falcon Falls Lake."

• Language: English
• Publisher: L. Parks Sanford
• Release date: Aug 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301665549

L. Parks Sanford

Born in the south, his young life would take a bizarre turn at the age of three. His mother and father divorced and he would be transplanted to a small town in upstate Ohio. On one visit to his mother's favorite cocktail lounge, his life took a dramatic turn. "Would you please watch my little boy while I go to the restroom," his mother asked the lady sitting next to her. The lady politely responded that she would. His mother never would return. The lady who had agreed to watch him took him home so that he would be safe and, subsequently, kept him for two weeks hoping the mother would return to pick him up or at least contact her. She never would. After exhausting all attempts to locate her, she was forced to call the local children's orphanage. Larry, he was called, was then to spend the next few years of his life as a resident of Green Acres Orphanage until the age of nearly nine.Things would change after spending five years in the orphanage, when a couple from a well known family in a town not far away would visit looking for a child to adopt. They would pick Larry and after a two month trial period they made arrangements for permanent adoption procedures to begin. He would become, Lawrence Parks Sanford, dropping his former middle name of Reed, and claiming one that was a family name from his adoptive mother's side.Larry grew up happy in this town; Elyria, the very town where he had been abandoned on the bar stool.His adoptive father would become mayor. He attended the local high school, excelling in athletics, which afforded him the opportunities to attend a number of colleges on a baseball scholarship or the chances to try out for Baltimore or Detroit's professional baseball teams. Being somewhat rebellious, due to strife and insecurity as a very young boy, he turned his back on his family and those golden opportunities, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps the day after graduation. Larry would then go on to serve with the Marines in Chu Lai, Viet Nam 1964-1966 and a total of 4 years plus.Larry's past has served as guideline and inspiration for his writings today. He had an opportunity to meet both his birth parents when he was a young man and was able to express his forgiveness for their errors in judgement. They have both since passed therefore he still knows very little of his family's history. He married Susan Dusek of Bay Village, Ohio over 35 years ago. They have a son, Ian, who attends the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs. Larry resides now and for the past 33 years in Rock Hill, South Carolina. After many years as a successful landscape designer and contractor, he retired to pursue his passion of writing and creating wonders and tales for children and young adults; writing under the pen name of, L.Parks Sanford.

Book preview

The Ghost of St. Elmo

The Adventures of Ian and Zack

By

L. Parks Sanford

Copyright 2013 L. Parks Sanford

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

DEDICATION

To my wife, whose never-ending faith and love carried me for years. To my son, Ian, you bring me strength; you give much, and take nothing in return. Finally, to Duke…you believed, and I will always be grateful and love you for it. Someday we’ll walk the beach, again.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE COLORADO BOUND

CHAPTER TWO FLYING HIGH

CHAPTER THREE SLEEP QUICK

CHAPTER FOUR UNDER ATTACK AT HARTSEL

CHAPTER FIVE HEART POUNDING WITH FEAR

CHAPTER SIX LOST GORGE RANCH AT LAST

CHAPTER SEVEN GHOST TOWN HERE WE COME

CHAPTER EIGHT IF LOOKS COULD KILL

CHAPTER NINE THAT WAS NO ACCIDENT

CHAPTER TEN PHANTOM RIDERS IN THE NIGHT

CHAPTER ELEVEN SECRET ROOM BEHIND THE WALL

CHAPTER TWELVE YELLOW MOCASSINS

CHAPTER THIRTEEN ZACK’S SURPRISE VISIT

CHAPTER FOURTEEN MINE CAVE IN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN SECRET PACT

CHAPTER SIXTEEN UNDERGROUND AND SCARED

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN GOLD! LOTS OF GOLD

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN THE BIG SHOOT OUT

CHAPTER NINETEEN THE GHOST OF ST. ELMO

CHAPTER ONE

COLORADO BOUND

I jumped out of bed full of excitement about my days ahead. I had been awarded an exchange student Merit Award and was on my way to Lost Gorge, Colorado…wherever that was, for a month. I couldn’t wait to go hiking, explore old mines, ride horses and ski. Though my enthusiasm was intense, I knew I would miss my best friend, Zack. I had lived here at the orphanage for as long as I could remember, and Zack and I had grown up together and had shared many an adventure. But, this was one time we wouldn’t be together.

Well, good buddy, Zack said, Try to stay in the saddle and keep out of trouble.

I’ll sure try, I said as I grabbed my bags, gave him a high five and headed downstairs. Charles was waiting out front with the car and gave me a big smile as I opened the door.

Good morning, Ian, are you ready to load up? he asked.

You bet! I said, just as the breakfast bell rang. As I loaded my bags, all the guys and girls were running to the dining hall for breakfast and yelling to me to have a great time. I smiled and waved back as I got into the car.

I sat quietly staring out the window of the car as we drove down the long, winding drive. We pulled out onto the highway and headed toward the airport. Pressing my head against the window, I could feel the coolness of the October morning. I counted telephone poles as we sped down the highway, but I soon found out how boring that was. The only exception was sighting a lone hawk perched like a sentinel high atop a telephone pole here and there. My mind told me to be excited about my coming adventure, but my heart was telling me I would miss my friends. Charles, my driver and chaperone, must have read my mind.

What’s the problem, Ian? You’re very quiet, Charles asked.

Oh, nothing, I answered. I’m just going to miss my friends. I could see a smile on his face in the rear view mirror.

Look at your trip as a great adventure, he said, and let your friends live your adventure with you through your pictures and the stories you tell when you return.

You’re right, Charles, I said. Of course he was right…. He always was. Charles was a super nice guy who came by the orphanage often. He was a retired F.B.I. agent who had been wounded in a shoot-out with a notorious gang of bank robbers in Raleigh, North Carolina. After his leaving the service of the F.B.I., he signed on as Chief of Security for Fred Bryant, an old friend of his and owner of a local bank in town. Upon completion of his time as Chief of Security for ten years, Charles now served as a chauffeur, butler and jack-of-all-trades to Mr. Bryant. As I thought about Charles and knowing he would be my chaperone during this trip, my sadness toward leaving my friends was soon replaced with the excitement of things to come.

I never realized Middleton Airport was so far away, but my rear end told me differently. How much longer Charles? I asked.

I’d say about two more hours, he answered. Are you ready for a break? he asked.

If you don’t mind, sir, I answered. We pulled over to a little silver diner with a moose head mounted on its roof and proceeded inside for some breakfast. The strong smell of hot grease and coffee, the sound of dishes rattling and waitresses barking out orders seemed like a scene out of the movies. Charles found us a table, and I headed to the restroom to wash up. When I had returned, the waitress had begun filling the entire table with food. Grab a chair, Ian and dig in while I go freshen up. I started shoveling in eggs, bacon and pancakes.

Would you like some more orange juice, sweetie? a voice asked. I looked up to see a heavy lady, her hair wrapped in a bun high on her head and chomping on some gum.

No, thank you, ma’am, I answered, but I would like a Coke.

One Coke coming up, she said with a smile and then rushed off to another table. Charles returned to the table and smiled as he sat down staring at my plate.

The food must be good, huh, Ian? he asked.

Yes, sir, it sure is.

Here you are, sweetie, the waitress said setting the Coke on the table. Anything else, gentlemen? she asked.

No, that’s fine, Charles answered. Just the bill, please. We finished our meals and headed down the highway once more. All of a sudden things seemed a little bit brighter now. Whether it was the good food or Charles’ great company, I wasn’t sure.

It seemed as though we drove forever until suddenly I looked up, and the sky was filled with planes. As we continued to approach the airport, the roar of the planes’ engines was thunderous, and the sun reflecting off the different colored planes made it appear like a rainbow. As we turned into the airport entrance and up to the terminal, I looked up just in time to see a huge plane flying straight at us. I ducked down in my seat just as the plane pulled up and headed skyward. I could hear Charles laughing as we drove on. Close call, huh, Ian? he quipped. I sat back in my seat and gave a little laugh at myself.

I guess maybe I should get out more, huh, Charles? Charles looked at me in the rearview mirror and just smiled. We continued to wind our way through different gates and then suddenly veered to the right. I could see a sign that read:

"Airport Security Only – No Admittance".

We approached a guard post with two uniformed officers and were stopped. May I help you sir? the officer inquired as he peered into our car.

Could you tell me where I could find Bob Kaiser? Charles answered as he showed his wallet to the guard.

Yes, sir, he sharply responded as he snapped to attention. I’ll call Chief Kaiser immediately. I didn’t know what Charles had shown the guard, but he seemed impressed, and so was I. Within minutes a black sedan pulled up sporting dark windows and a sign on the side reading:

"Chief of Security"

The guard waved us through, and we parked next to the sedan. Almost at the same time, Charles and the driver of the sedan opened their doors and exited. Well, I’ll be. It is you, you old flat foot, he roared.

Bob, you’re as good-lookin’ as ever, Charles responded.

And you lie like a dog, Mr. Kaiser shot back. Follow me, he continued. We walked toward the black sedan as Mr. Kaiser opened the trunk. Throw your bags in here, and I’ll store your car later or you can follow me. We unloaded everything, careful not to overlook a single item, as we had packed strategically with everything being pretty important. We closed the trunk, and Charles walked over to Mr. Kaiser, as I stood there watching the planes and listening to the roar of engines. This was a totally new world to me. We seldom traveled very far from the orphanage, and I could see what we were missing. I looked out over the parking area below and could see nothing but a sea of cars and traffic coming in and going out. There was an excitement in the air that I had never experienced before, and I only wished my best friend could be here with me.

Are you ready, Ian? Charles yelled.

Yes, sir! We got into our car and followed Mr. Kaiser in his. As we drove, we passed by huge jets that were so close it seemed as though I could reach out and touch them. Wow! What kind of plane is that? I asked.

That’s a sea plane, Ian. Those pontoons on the bottom allow it to land on the water or on land, Charles answered. We continued to follow Mr. Kaiser as he turned into a huge hanger. When we pulled in and stopped, my mouth dropped open. In front of us was an old plane with guns sticking out all over, and men were scurrying about working on its exterior. I looked up, and the hangar ceiling was so high and the windows in it were shining so brightly with the sun coming through that they looked like bright stars in the night sky. We stopped the car, got out and walked toward the plane where Mr. Kaiser was talking to a worker. He turned around, walked toward me, put his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

What do you say, young fella, would you like to go aboard? he asked.

You bet! I answered.

Then follow me, he continued, as we climbed the steps and entered the old plane. My eyes lit up as I looked up and saw a large silver colored gun pointing skyward, enclosed in a glass dome. Those guns you see around you are 50 caliber machine guns used to fire at enemy planes that would attack them as they flew bombing missions during World War II, he explained. Go ahead and sit in the gunner’s seat. I anxiously sat down and grabbed hold of the gun, pivoted around in the seat firing at phantom enemy planes. I sat there day dreaming, wondering if our housemother, Mrs. Brewer’s husband had flown this plane during the war. He was a highly decorated pilot, who unfortunately had been killed. We all could see her sadness and knew how much she missed him. There was a special smell all around me. It was a musty, leathery smell that made me believe I was living in the days these planes flew. I had heard of and read about re-incarnation so maybe I was re-living my days as a famous pilot.

What do you think, Ian? Charles asked as he brought me back to reality.

It’s great! I said, never wanting to leave.

Okay, fellas, how about a little snack before you take off? Mr. Kaiser asked.

What do you say, Ian? Charles followed. Are you ready for a fill-up? I really didn’t know how much food I could put down as I was pondering my first flight, but I agreed. We marched off on the heels of Chief Kaiser as he led us through winding corridors, up and down stairs, and finally to a large set of black doors. Chief Kaiser took out a pocketful of keys, inserted one into the door, pushed a button, and it seemed to magically open. As we entered, it was obvious we were in a huge cafeteria, not unlike the one at our orphanage but much larger. There were rows and rows of tables and chairs, the sound of dishes clattering and the strong aroma of cooking food.

Gentlemen, you are now in the food services center of the airport, said Chief Kaiser. All employees are eligible to eat here at their own risk, but many don’t, he joked with a twinkle in his eye. We found a table and sat down. Hi ya, Cassie. How’s my favorite waitress?

I looked up to see whom he was talking to, and I knew then…I was in love. She had dark eyes and long, shiny brown hair with a big smile. I was sure that she kept staring in my direction and that her smile was sending me a secret message that said she loved me. She reminded me of Julie Vander, a college student down the road from the orphanage that came with her classmates to play us in baseball games every summer. My best friend and I would push and shove each other to see who could sit closest to her. I always won. Cassie, these are some friends of mine. They’re headed for Colorado. How about getting them a little snack before they shove off? Chief Kaiser said.

It would be my pleasure, Chief, she answered, smiling broadly. We gave her our orders, she returned shortly with a Coke and hot cinnamon bun for me and a steaming cup of coffee and a