Miss Lucy's Secret, Jamey Hart Ghost Adventures Book 3

By Jimmy Beard

In the third Jamey Hart Ghost Adventure, the devil comes through the small town of Blackwater, and he's in the person of a most wanted fugitive. He kills an old man and a young boy. This is a violent man who will destroy anyone in his path.US. Marshal Lincoln Moore is on his trail along with newly commissioned County Detective, Grady Pruunes. Will they be able to stop him before others become victims. Will Jamey Hart and Miss Lucy intervene? What about the six dead bodies found in one house? And what is so ugly that Miss Lucy says, "Don't Tell Jamey?" It's a clean riveting read for ages 13 and up. No profanity. Christian values.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jimmy Beard
• Release date: Oct 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370290345

Jimmy Beard

I was born in Charleston, South Carolina and raised in the surrounding moss covered Low-country . Now retired with my wife, Laura, I like to travel, spend time with children and grandchildren, and try to write an occasional novel. I write in a simple style, maybe even homespun, and with a bit of coziness, not prone to blood and gore. I believe the main purpose of a good novel is enjoyment and entertainment. And if it promotes a comfort food feeling as well, then I am happy. Such is the Jamey Hart Adventure Series. Hope you enjoy!

Book preview

It is possible to know someone so unselfish, that their actions and deeds influence your life, and the lives of others. They are the few among many. They are the ones who always have time when you need it. They give and seldom receive. They always find a way to lift you up, when you’re down. They never see an evil thing that you do, only mistakes that you sometimes make. They are never too tired to find something for you to eat when you come in hungry, or care for you when you’re sick. The sad part is that you don’t really miss them, until they’re gone. Very few souls are fortunate to have been blessed with two of these special people. I am one of these. May God have special rewards in heaven for Ila and Selma.

In Blackwater

GRADY PRUUNES WATCHED intently as the big machine uncovered earth, as did the two men who would go to work with the shovels, when the machine reached the vault containing Donny’s casket. As Grady stroked his red goatee, he looked up and into the gazing eyes of Dr. Stucky, who just shook his head and looked away. They were almost certain that they would find something so ugly and inhuman, that it was difficult to even talk about it.

As Grady gazed into the dirt hole, his mind went back to the beginning of these incredible events here in Blackwater. He remembered back to the two trials and the mysterious death of wealthy diamond broker Chandler Rivers. He remembered how people around Saint Steven (Miss Lucy’s Ghost by Jimmy Beard), began to acknowledge his capabilities as a detective, because he had told people all along that Rivers was guilty. I remember being called in to the mayor’s office in Saint Steven. That’s when it all started.

The beginning in Saint Steven

Then unexpectedly, he was called in to the mayor’s office one Friday afternoon, but he could never have imagined why. He recalled his surprise as he opened the door to find the chief of police, the sheriff, the police chief from nearby Blackwater, and several county officials, along with the mayor.

Hello, Grady, said the mayor, who was also his father in law.

Afternoon, Sir, said Grady.

I guess you’re wondering why we called you in to meet with us, said Chief Swanson. Chief Swanson was Grady’s boss and chief of police in Saint Steven. He had been openly reluctant to prosecute Chandler Rivers, and had warned him about even investigating Rivers. The chief was known for his big bushy eyebrows and the menacing scowl that they could impose. Today, they were turned up due to a rare smile.

You showed me something by the way you hung on and got to the bottom of that Rivers’ mess, the chief said, and we don’t intend to let that kind of talent and dedication go to waste. I’ll let Sheriff Bishop tell you the rest.

Grady, said the sheriff, I want to welcome you as part of the Cypress County Sheriff's Department, in your new position as detective for Cypress County. Now, you will have an office in the courthouse, and also an office in Blackwater. You’ll be in Chief Folk’s building over there. Of course, a pay raise goes without saying. Come on out back here, Grady. I want to show you something else. They all made their way down the hall and out the back door, where something of significant size was under a large canvas.

Now sometimes, said the sheriff, You may have need to go into the most desolate part of the county. When that happens, this will be a most useful tool. The sheriff pulled the canvas away to reveal a brand new Willys Jeep station wagon.

What do you think of this, Detective?

Grady’s eyes opened wide as he saw the lettering on the door that read Cypress County Sheriff across the top. Beneath those words it read Detective. The color was black and white and he didn’t need to check for four-wheel-drive, he was certain it was there. He did note the mud traction tires, while walking all the way around the vehicle. He then let out a whistle, and said Man oh man. That’s something! Interesting. I don’t know what to say. 

Sheriff Bishop was a large heavy-set man, with brown hair and a well-trimmed beard. His dark eyes glistened with excitement, as he handed Grady the keys.We expect great things from you, Grady. You will be our number one crime solver here in Cypress County. You can start by working on the cold case files, but now we’ll be ready for whatever comes our way. County Detective just has a nice ring to it, I think.

Thank you Sheriff, I’ll do my best. Interesting.

I’m sure you’ll do a fine job, Pruunes,said Chief Swanson, and there’s something else. There is a reservation for two, at The Sea Arms Hotel in Charleston, for the weekend. Take Mary Ann and enjoy the weekend. Then take next week off and rest up. Come in the following Monday. Now let’s all go back inside and cut that cake and celebrate.

Interesting. Yes, Sir. Interesting. That was all that Grady could find to say."

GRADY OPENED THE DOOR to find Mary Ann lying on the couch. She was a little blue eyed blond woman, with full lips and a slightly turned-up nose. She was pleasantly plump and always had a pretty smile. He hastily woke her with the news. It took a few minutes for Mary Ann to grasp it. Her daddy was the Mayor and so she imagined that he had done it.

You mean Daddy gave us a weekend, she said.

No, Honey. The county gave it to us. Along with a promotion for me. I’m sure your daddy helped, but I am now part of the sheriff’s department.

A promotion. Does that mean you’ll be getting more money!

Yes.

How much more?

I don’t know, yet, but hey, it’s Friday afternoon, lets get packed. Grady picked Mary Ann up from the couch, held her to him, feet dangling, and kissed her passionately.

Then lowered her back to the floor saying, Now be sure and pack a swimsuit, and something to wear to the Boardwalk tomorrow night.

You keep doing that and we won’t make it to Charleston, she said, I’ve been missing you today."

Me too, Honey, now lets get packed, Grady replied. They packed bags, threw them in the back of Mary Ann’s 57 Chevy Bel Air, and headed for Charleston. Grady drove with one hand, and with Mary Ann sitting close to him, he tried to enjoy her with the other. They checked in and the sun was just about to set, as they opened the door to the hotel balcony, to take in the view.

It’s magnificent, said Mary Ann.

Interesting, said Grady. Very interesting.

After they watched the sunset, they made love.

PABST BLUE RIBBON TIMES two, said Grady, when the waitress asked what they would like to drink. After she left, Grady surveyed the surroundings. This is definitely a cut above the seafood houses I am accustomed to, and I like it, he thought.

This is very nice, Grady, said Mary Ann. I really like the linens on the table.

Yes, very nice, Honey.

The waitress brought their beer, they both ordered the seafood sampler platter, and were soon enjoying some fine Lowcountry seafood. Everything was so good. It tasted like fresh off the boat, which it was. They had another Blue Ribbon and afterwards there was apple pie and coffee.

On the walk back to the hotel, Mary Ann squeezed him and said, This is just so nice, Grady, I wish it could be like this always.

Me too, Honey, me too.

When they got back to the hotel, they enjoyed a glass of wine and some cheese, as they watched the moonlight on the harbor. After that, they made love.

GRADY WAS UP FIRST, and showered and shaved, and was halfway dressed, when he decided to wake Mary Ann. He gazed at her sleeping so peacefully and wondered what she might be dreaming. She had a little wisp of a smile, and there was infrequent movement of her eyes, even though they were closed. She’s just so beautiful, he thought, how lucky am I to have her? He leaned down and gently kissed her lips. It’s like kissing an angel, he thought. Mary Ann woke to see Grady leaning over her, and said,

Good morning, Romeo. I sure had a time with you last night.

I had a wonderful time too, Honey.

I just want you to know, Grady Pruunes, I’ve checked my appointment book, and I have time available for you for the rest of my life. She pulled Grady down to her and kissed him again. At first Grady thought it might lead to something, but she let him go saying, I could eat a horse. I have to get dressed. We need to see Charleston.

THAT SEEMS LIKE A LOT for a carriage ride, said Grady.

Naw, not at all. That’s the best deal in town, Suh. The carriage driver held out his hand as Grady reluctantly paid him. It was an interesting ride, down around the Battery and back, with the driver pointing out places and events of interest all along the way. Grady could tell that the ride pleased Mary Ann as well.

As he was stepping down, he tipped the driver and said, You were right.

The carriage driver had a puzzled look on his face and asked, How’s that, Suh?

It is the best deal in town, said Grady.

Thank you, Suh. Thank you! The driver replied, with a big grin.

They took the boat out to Fort Sumter and back, and made their way to the old slave market, and the tourist traps. They were getting hungry and bought a hot dog from a sidewalk vendor. It was so good that Grady went back for another. They walked around some more, and then back to the hotel for a quick nap before tea. Grady did not really care to enjoy an afternoon tea, but Mary Ann wanted to go, so they did. Afterwards Grady knew why he hadn’t been advised to take tea, before now. Mary Ann enjoyed it, however, so Grady was pleased. It’s just this once, anyway, he thought.

AS MARY ANN FINISHED getting dressed, she checked Grady as he passed by, just to see what he was wearing. Just as I thought, he’s grabbed his newest Hawaiian-looking flowered shirt, and it overlaps his baggy white pants. Grady has always been short, even in school he was shorter than everyone else was. He is about five and one-half feet tall now, and barrel-chested. He began to lose his red hair soon after we were married, and decided grow a goatee to compensate. It didn’t work that way, but it does give him a presence, she thought. I love him though, flowery shirts and all, and I’ve come to know Grady as the gentle loving husband I've always wanted. I wouldn’t mind if he didn’t say interesting all the time, however.

Ready, Honey? Grady inquired.

Just another minute.

Grady saw that Mary Ann was wearing a blue no-sleeve blouse and shorts, and she looked good in them. She’s just a tad on the heavy side of perfect, he thought, but not enough to matter. She looks perfect enough for me. And she sure can start my blood to pumping.

They dined in the hotel restaurant, because the handbill in their room bragged of the best steak east of Kansas City. They went in expecting great things, and were not disappointed. Grady declared it was the best steak he had ever had, and Mary Ann didn’t argue the point. A bottle of fine red wine enhanced the occasion, and afterwards a delicious apple dumpling. They went back to their room to watch the sunset again, and decided it was time to go to the boardwalk.

THE CHEVY MADE GOOD time out to Folly Beach and the boardwalk. There was a good rock and roll band playing, and they did a little shagging in the sand. Grady was a very good shag dancer, nimble and quick, with an endless variety of moves, to Mary Ann’s delight. She had never understood how he could be so graceful with the body that he had, but he was very athletic, and was a star baseball player in high school. Many people thought he might get to play big league ball, but the offer never came, so he wound up being a detective in Charleston. Later, after they were married, he got the job in Saint Steven. All’s well that ends well, she was thinking as the music paused, and so did Grady.

You still got it baby, she told him.

Interesting, Grady said.

The band was just starting up  when Grady broke loose from Mary Ann. He went flying down the beach, after a man dressed in a boat-neck shirt and baggy pants. The man saw Grady giving chase, and tried to run faster. Grady chased him a hundred yards before catching and tackling him. Mary Ann followed as best she could, with some of the crowd who had seen the chase. When they caught up to the two, Grady had the man pinned with his arms behind him.

Get him off me! He’s killing me! Help Me!"

The man was screaming at anyone who might listen and help him.

Grady yelled at Mary Ann when he saw her. Call a policeman! This guy’s a pickpocket!

Several people started running back toward the

Boardwalk, but they didn’t get far before meeting a policeman. He had seen the commotion and was coming to investigate. He immediately recognized the man, and with help from Grady, they soon had him in handcuffs.

We’ve been after this guy for a while, he said, he’s been snatching wallets all summer. I don’t know how you caught him, but thanks."

I’m a detective. Cypress County. Grady showed his badge. I guess my disguise threw him off. Grady laughed, and so did the crowd, because his outfit all but glowed in the dark.

Soon two more policemen arrived, and a check of his pockets produced four billfolds, and an expensive looking ladies watch.

I know some folks will be glad you nabbed him, said the policeman, they’ll sure be glad to get this stuff back. His name is Harvey Hamlet, by the way. They call him the Sand Rustler, and he’ll be going away for a while. What’s your name, Detective?

Pruunes, Grady Pruunes. Interesting.

Well thanks again, Detective Pruunes. Two of the policemen left with the Sand Rustler, and the other got Grady’s account of the incident, and how to contact him if needed.

THAT SURE IS A BIG ol’ moon tonight, my hero and personal lover, said Mary Ann, as they gazed out over the water from the hotel balcony, you sure handled that Sand Rustler tonight. I was so proud of you, Grady! Mary Ann just shivered with delight.

Interesting. That’s what I do, Honey.

That’s not all you do is it?

Not nearly, Honey, not nearly.

Grady picked up Mary Ann and carried her to the big canopy bed. As he stood her up, she unfastened her sundress, and it fell to the floor. Grady swallowed hard and said, Oh my goodness!

Chapter 2: Old Friends

MEANWHILE IN NEARBY Blackwater

The entire hullabaloo, as it was termed by the locals, going on in Saint Steven, was not unnoticed by the residents of Blackwater, a small, sleepy, southern town of eight thousand souls.

Chandler Rivers his family were well known here, and many recalled dealings with his father, who was a cotton broker in his lifetime. When the news of his trial for murder broke, it spread through town like fire through broom sage. Many were summoned for jury duty, only to be sent home by his fancy Mississippi lawyers. Only Barton Bumgarner and Hiram King were chosen for jury duty, and both were wealthy cotton farmers.

Blackwater was located just seven miles from Saint Steven, and there was quite a lot of competition between the two towns. Most residents thought Blackwater should be the county seat rather than Saint Steven. They even managed to get it on the ballot one year for a vote, but it was defeated by a narrow margin. It still irked them that they had to go to Saint Steven for many things, simply because it was the county seat, and jury duty was one of those things. The sheriff’s office and county jail were there too. and of course the courthouse. So it was that the two towns co-existed in a reserved kind of brotherly love, forced by the sharing of common resources.

To this quiet and peaceful town came two brothers from Texas. They were the Copsey brothers, Tom and Jerry, and they were identical twins. They were small in size, but in a ten-gallon hat and cowboy boots they were six feet tall, because they were, after all, Texans. Tom had soot black hair and eyes as dark as the Edisto River, with a pale