The Starfish Island Gang: Treasures of The Lighthouse

By Brenda Mize Garza

In the spiritual realm surrounding us are angels and demons. Can you see them? Can you hear them?

The Starfish Island Gang continues to battle demonic forces. The angels are watching and ready to help. Each gang member is trying to navigate this unseen world while facing the personal battles demons throw at them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blueprint Press Internationale
• Release date: Feb 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781959365631

Brenda Mize Garza

Brenda Mize Garza's characters talk and act true to life, so much so that at times it seemed like they were living breathing human beings who might at any moment step off the pages of the book and into my backyard. You can hear God's message on every page, in every verse you read. She portrays God's Word through stories that readers of any age can relate to. Her desire is for everyone, everywhere to come to know The God Who created everything. She chooses to share his great and unconditional love through storytelling. Brenda and her husband Jesse now live in McRae, Arkansas, with Sugar Baby their Pomeranian, and their two rescue kittens, Tiger, and Peanut.

Book preview

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Book 4:

Treasures of The Lighthouse

BRENDA MIZE GARZA

The Starfish Island Gang: Treasures of The Lighthouse

Copyright © 2023 by Brenda Mize Garza

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are produced by the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is entirely beyond the intent of the author.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

ISBN

978-1-959365-62-4 (Paperback)

978-1-959365-63-1 (eBook)

978-1-959365-61-7 (Hardcover)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalm 91:1-2 (KJV)

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1 Drew

Chapter 2 The Visit

Chapter 3 It Takes Three

Chapter 4 Patrick and Paige

Chapter 5 Kimsey

Chapter 6 The Lighthouse

Chapter 7 Della’s Shopping Trip

Chapter 8 Captain Earl George to the Rescue

Chapter 9 Lee and Markus

Chapter 10 The Tunnels

Chapter 11 The Glowing, Moaning, and Moving Stuff

Chapter 12 The Town Meeting

Chapter 13 Mission Complete

Chapter 14 The Tour

Chapter 15 Heavenly Language

Chapter 16 The Final Special Object

Epilogue

Afterword

Prologue

The adventures of the five children who wanted nothing more than to spend leisurely days on the whitest sand ever, and swim in the crystal blue ocean, started when they dared to go into The Beach House. It was in this house they learned there really are angels and, unfortunately, demons. Each child learned more about themselves and The God Who created everything. They were scared at first, and who wouldn’t be? Demons are not something to take lightly. However, armed with The Word of God and filled with The Holy Spirit, newfound confidence filled each one of them.

The little town of Shell Cove had many hidden treasures and mysteries yet to be revealed. Each child in the gang, as the boys like to call them, have received a special Spirit-filled gift to help them find the truth about their little town and even themselves.

Ramsgate, England, is where this adventure all began. Not with the children of The Beach House or Shell Cove. With the eight orphans, who learned about a secret book that would assist them in their missions in the battle between good and evil. They sailed to an unknown destination later known as Starfish Island. Unfortunately, only seven of the orphans remained in the gang.

In The Lighthouse, our gang continue on their quest to find the hidden treasures. The battle between good and evil remains present at every turn. The gang learns to lean more on God’s Word and not on what they think they know!

This is where we left off!

Paige and Sally found a picture in her father’s library. This wasn’t unusual. The picture was of a lighthouse with its beam of light, pointing to a small boat, Hidden Treasures. Still nothing unusual, right? Wrong, on the side of the boat, was a small door with a doorbell. It was very odd. Paige watched as Sally push the doorbell, and they waited. She and Paige didn’t have to wait long. The picture was hanging on a hidden door that opened to a secret passageway. The girls eagerly went inside, and their excitement grew as they found hidden rooms and more passageways. One of the passageways took them to the basement of the town’s library, where they rang another doorbell. This time, the door was opened by Ms. Martha, the librarian. Ms. Martha allowed them again to search the hidden treasures of the library basement, looking for more clues. Ms. Martha gave them a small bit of information about the passageways (tunnels). Apparently, her great-great-grandfather had helped to build them.

Lee and Allen decided to explore their secret cave without the others. It was their secret mission and theirs alone. Much to their surprise, they are not the only ones exploring their secret cave.

Michael had always dreamed of being a Marine, just like his dad. He carried himself like a marine. His lingo was that of a marine. Until he was allowed to take a trip with Professor Garza on his ship, The Lucky Lady. During his time out at sea, he learns the most important decision he could ever make; had already been made. Things were changing for Michael.

The gang had not seen much of Andrew. They still met as usual. Praised and worshipped God together. However, each member was so enthralled in their own adventures. They hadn’t even noticed that Andrew had not shared one thing with them. Andrew again was having what he had dub night visions. These night visions were showing him some of his parts in this battle between good and evil. He really wanted someone to share his visions with that would understand what he was going through. The only person in his life he felt he could share his visions with was his granny.

Professor Garza and Adam believe there are sunken shipwrecks in the coastal waters around Starfish Island. Adam’s great-great-great-uncle was a pirate, and from his countless hours of research, he truly believes that his uncle’s ship sank somewhere around Starfish Island. Will Professor Garza convince the town of Shell Cove that this exploration for sunken ships will benefit the town and its people? He and his men will not allow this project to destroy any of the beauty of the island, the water, and the water’s inhabitants.

Professor Garza found a strange substance during his latest dive. The substance not only glowed, but it also moved, and it made a groaning noise. At least that is what the professor heard. He has shared nothing of this with anyone except Drew. Drew was a college student that has been aboard his ship for months now. He trusted Drew would find the answers. Drew has spent countless hours in the lab to no avail.

The lab test told him nothing. His research on the ship’s computers led him to only dead ends. Drew has turned to Ms. Martha and the town’s library for answers.

CHAPTER 1

DREW

Drew stood on the deck of the Lucky Lady as she made her way into port.

The sun was bright and beaming beautifully on the crystal blue waves below.

Drew was filled with mixed feelings about his next move. He wanted to find out what the glowing substance was and, of course, share his findings with Professor Garza. He had come to admire Professor Garza over the few months he had been assigned to his ship and wanted nothing more than to impress him with all the answers concerning the glowing substance he had entrusted him with. But at this very moment, he had a strange feeling that what he would find would not be what the professor was looking for.

Hey Drew, are you getting off or what? Professor Garza said as he passed Drew on his way to disembark from his ship.

Getting off, definitely getting off, sir, Drew replied as he hurried to catch up with the professor.

It will be at least a week before we will head out again. Keep your cell on so I can reach you should things change. If you don’t get a call or text, meet me here on the 8th around 8 am. Have fun!

Aye aye, Captain, Drew replied. The two of them parted ways.

Hey Drew, wait up, Michael said as he ran to catch up with him.

Where will you be staying while you wait for your next trip with the professor? Michael asked.

Do you know the B&B called Evelyn’s? That’s where I hang my hat when I’m in town. The rooms are nice and clean. And Ms. Evelyn is an awesome cook. Usually have to watch it, or I’ll put on several pounds. Drew replied as he patted his muscular flat abdomen.

Can we meet up later? I really need to talk with you about something, Michael said with a serious look. Drew couldn’t help but notice.

Sure, but I have to make a trip to the library. I’m not sure how long I’ll be. Answered Drew.

The library? You got homework or something? Michael said with a little grin and a chuckle.

Yes, I guess you could call it that. I’ll text you when I’m done. See ya. Drew said as he changed paths to make his way to the task at hand.

The two of them parted ways. Michael hurried home to tell his parents all about his adventures at sea and Drew headed to the library.

Hello, Mr. McShane, did you have a nice adventure out on the ocean? Ms. Martha asked with her usual smile of welcome; to my domain.

Yes, yes, I did. Thank you. I really need your help. Are you available for a few minutes? Drew asked and smiled. His heart was always glad when he had an encounter with Ms. Martha. The Holy Spirit that dwelled within each of them seemed to ignite with love each time they met.

At your service, she replied with a bright smile. She so enjoys helping those that seek her assistance in finding the right path they should take. And boy, was this going to be an adventure for Drew, she thought.

Am I seeing things, or is there a glow about Ms. Martha? Drew wondered.

Now, how may I help you? Ms. Martha asked.

Do you have any books on glowing creatures in the ocean? Drew replied.

Glowing? Are you talking about ocean life? There are several really good books on ocean life around Starfish Island, she said, leading Drew through the library and to a section on marine life around Starfish Island.

Drew took several books from the shelf and headed to a nearby table. Thanks, Ms. Martha. I’ll let you know if these are what I’m looking for, he said with a big smile and giving her a little wink.

Ms. Martha bent her head slightly as she flirted back at Drew with a shy little smile. She turned and walked back to the reception desk. You won’t find what you’re looking for in any of those books, she thought to herself. The angels that had gathered in the library to keep the demons at bay smiled at the encounter between Drew and Ms. Martha.

Drew sat down and began his search of glowing creatures found in the oceans. Noctiluca scintillans, also known as sea sparkle. Sea creatures glow primarily to communicate, defend themselves, and sometimes attract prey. In most parts of the ocean, especially the deeper areas, bioluminescence is the only kind of light ever seen. Larger glowing denizens of the deep include jellyfish, many kinds of squid, flashlight fish, hatchet fish, dragonfish, and anglerfish. Some of the larger animals can turn on their own lights and glow. Yet other ones just activate the bioluminescent plankton they have swallowed.

A lot here on ocean creatures that glow, but nothing about them moaning or talking, as the professor said. Must keep on searching, Drew thought. Unfortunately, his thoughts were said out loud and not to himself.

So, I did hear the professor correctly, Michael said as he moved closer to where Drew was sitting.

Hi Michael, what did your parents say about your ocean adventures? Drew asked, trying to change the subject. As if he didn’t hear what Michael had just said.

Don’t try and change the subject. You heard me. I couldn’t help but overhear you and the professor when I was trying to balance the tray of tea and cookies and knock on the door at the same time, Michael stated, trying to explain why he was eavesdropping on their conversation while he acted out the balancing act.

So exactly what do you think you heard? Asked Drew. He was trying very hard not to give anything away in his voice or posture.

The professor found something glowing in the water, and it was moaning and moving at different speeds, Michael stated emphatically, standing with hands on his hips and his shoulders squared.

Okay, you got me. But you really don’t have to have such a posturing attitude. I plan on sharing. I’m trying to find an answer to just what the glowing substance is and how or why it makes such a pitiful moaning sound. None of my machines could work it out. I wanted to research it without the rest of the crew, knowing what I was up to. I would rather have some if not all the answers before everyone starts asking questions. You know what I mean? replied Drew.

Yup. And you can count me in on this mission. Just tell me what I can do to help. His all-important, posturing behavior had relaxed. A huge smile was overtaking Michael’s entire face. The excitement was written in the smile and sparkling from his eyes. How could Drew resist it?

Okay, Michael. But this is a top-secret mission. You cannot tell anyone? And that includes your gang. Got it? stated Drew.

Got it. Loud and clear. There was that smile again, as Michael replied. He picked up one of the books, made himself comfortable in one of the nearby chairs, and began to read.

Drew began to gather up the books to returned to Ms. Martha. Michael, did you find something interesting in that book you seemed to be lost in, Drew asked?

I’m just amazed at all the wonderful things God has made that most of us never get to see, Michael replied.

Drew smiled and just nodded his head in agreement. Just bring the book back to the counter when you’re finished, stated Drew. A nod was the only reply he received.

Drew made his way to the counter and waited in the short line of readers of the written word, who stood patiently waiting on Ms. Martha. No one seemed to mind, for Ms. Martha was a lady of wisdom, and everyone could feel the presence of God in her life. Even the non-believers could feel this presence, but they felt a little uneasy instead of joy. Nonbelievers aren’t sure why they feel uneasy around believers. And at times it makes them angry and that too, they don’t understand. Until they fill the void in their heart with The Holy Spirit, these feelings will never make any sense to them.

May I get a password to use the computers? Drew asked.

I thought that big ship of the Professors had everything you could possibly need. You mean to tell me there are no computers onboard? Stated Ms. Martha. As she smiled and gave Drew a little wink, telling him she was only joking.

Of course, there are computers. I just wanted a little privacy, that’s all, Drew replied.

Give me a few minutes to help these nice folks, and I will get you all set up, replied Ms. Martha.

Of course, I will look at some more of the books in the Starfish Island section, stated Drew. He turned to walk in the direction of that section, but before he did, he returned Ms. Martha’s wink. They smiled a smile of friendship.

Ms. Martha turned to the people waiting to check out books. She smiles pleasantly, thanked them for using the library. Have a wonderful day, Ms. Martha told them as she waved goodbye.

Drew and Michael made their way to the computer room. Ms. Martha was waiting at a computer station far in one corner of the room. It had room for two chairs and was in a very private area, which is almost impossible in a library.

Here you go, guys; I have placed two chairs here, and this is the most private area in this room. I hope you find what you’re looking for. However, I don’t think you will find what you are looking for here, Ms. Martha said as she turned and left the area.

How did she know there would be two of us? And what does she mean ‘we won’t find what we are looking for? Drew asked.

You know there is much more to Ms. Martha than anyone knows. She runs very deep, with many moving currents of knowledge, love, and much, much more. If you know what I mean, Michael said. An intent look on his face. He has seen another side of her that most people never get to meet.

The computer up and running, Drew typed in-glowing matter in the ocean. And hit search. The usual data came up, the same information he had just read in the books Ms. Martha gave him.

This is no good, Drew said.

Maybe you need to use different questions, stated Michael.

And I suppose you know the right questions I should ask, replied Drew, with eyebrows lifted and a smirk on his face.

Absolutely, replied Michael.

Drew got up and made a bowing jester toward the chair, telling Michael it was all his. Michael got up and walked in the opposite direction from the chair and the computer.

And just where are you going, Mr., you’re not asking the right questions? stated Drew as he followed quickly behind Michael.

I didn’t say I was going to ask the computer the question, now did I, Michael said with a mysterious tone.

Ms. Martha, a minute of your time, please, Michael said in a most pleasant voice.

Absolutely. Michael, how may I help? she asked. Would you allow Drew and me to explore the basement? He whispered gently in her ear.

Of course, Michael. I will take you two there in one minute, she whispered back. Let me assist these other customers first. She replied. She walked back to the counter, where a few customers were waiting.

Drew, what was that all about? And why are you two whispering?

All in good time, old chap, all in good time, replied Michael.

At first, Michael’s comments were not taken well by Drew. His thoughts about Michael were unpleasant, to say the least. Drew quickly rids his mind of these thoughts and replaced them with pleasant ones. Drew had grown much in his life as a Christian. He could quickly recognize when the devil wanted him to walk after the flesh and not after the spirit. He knows Michael is a good kid and is only having a little fun with him—all in good sport. He would soon find out what Michael and Ms. Martha know. Well, at least a part of what these two know.

Ms. Martha helped the last person in line and quickly placed a—be back in fifteen minutes sign. She couldn’t help but smile when she thought of the reaction she would see on Drew’s face once the basement was revealed. Drew is such a nice young man, and you can see Jesus in his eyes when he speaks to you. She thought as she made her way back to where Drew and Michael were sitting.

Okay, young men, are you ready? she asked with a smile.

Sure, why not, replied Drew. This must be good, with all the cloak and dagger routine you and Michael seem to be enjoying, at my expense. After you, me lady. Stated Drew as he bowed in front of Ms. Martha, putting his right hand out for her to lead the way while giving her a little wink.

Such a nice young man, she thought again.

With keys in hand, she once again stood in front of the door to the broom closet. At least that is what everyone thought was the broom closet, and to be fair, it does have at least one broom in the closet. She unlocked the door and walked inside. Followed quickly by Michael and then Drew. Michael shut the door. It would have been helpful if he had waited until Ms. Martha had switched on the light. They stood in darkness for a brief second.

Ms. Martha found the switch. The little room was filled with light. Drew’s face was priceless.

Excuse me. We are in a broom closet. I’m not sure how this will help me find answers, Drew said.

Patience Drew, it will only be a moment now, Michael said.

Ms. Martha opened the door to the basement. It looked like a wall. Until you got close enough to really look at it, she switched on the lights that would illuminate the stairs to the well-hidden basement. Again, the look on Drew’s face was one of shock and awe.

Once they had reached the bottom of the stairs, Ms. Martha turned on the basement lights to reveal all the wonders the basement had to offer. Michael and Drew both stared in delight of the hidden treasures.

Okay, boys, you can search until closing time. Remember to put everything back exactly as you found it. Okay? Ms. Martha said.

No one answered. She smiled and turned to go back upstairs to her task of helping those who needed her. She stopped at the top of the stairs and looked down at Drew and Michael. A smile bloomed across her face. She said a silent prayer, asking The Holy Spirit to lead them in the direction they needed to go to find answers.