Sea To Believe

By Joe Savage

Sammy is thirteen and lives with his mum in Tipton-on-Sea. His dream of deep sea scuba-diving is thwarted when his first lesson is brought to a halt by a commotion. A fishing boat has gone missing.

Mrs. Anderson claims the boat has been stolen and she knows who did it putting the town's  residents in complete shock - no such crime has been committed in living memory.

Sammy and his scuba teacher, Mr Murphy, seem to be the only two who question Mrs Anderson's evidence but when they challenge her, they discover the town is turning on them for not trusting her.

Can Sammy and Mr Murphy find the truth of the missing boat before their warm, friendly town is lost forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: APS Books
• Release date: Jul 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223683414

Book preview

APS BOOKS

Yorkshire

APS Books,

The Stables Field Lane,

Aberford,

West Yorkshire,

LS25 3AE

APS Books is a subsidiary of the APS Publications imprint

www.andrewsparke.com

Copyright ©2023 Joe Savage

All rights reserved.

Joe Savage has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this work in accordance with the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places and events, is entirely coincidental.

First published worldwide by APS Books in 2023

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the written permission of the publisher except that brief selections may be quoted or copied without permission, provided that full credit is given.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

SEA TO BELIEVE

Chapter One

The Day Like No Other

Sammy dashes out of bed and pulls back his bedroom curtains, it’s another beautiful morning in Tipton-on-Sea. The blissful blue sky and the sun-kissed sea invite Sammy on a new adventure. Dust dances and sparkles in direct sunlight. Sammy turns quickly towards his calendar: Saturday! Yes! he cries with joy.

A warm voice shouts from downstairs: Are you finally awake? Come on, your toast is getting cold! it’s Sammy’s mum. She’s as busy as always: getting the shopping, doing the washing up, housework and even more. But if Sammy looks happy, she’s happy, and Sammy is always happy.

Saturday, Sammy’s favourite day, but not because there’s no school! Saturdays are when Sammy takes scuba diving lessons with Mr. Murphy. Mr. Murphy, according to Sammy, must be a wizard in his spare time because of his flowing silver hair and great white beard. Sammy has always wanted to ask Mr. Murphy if he’s Merlin’s brother, but Sammy has been too scared to ask him, lest Mr. Murphy cast a spell and turn Sammy into a frog! Finishing his breakfast quickly, Sammy places his plate and empty orange juice glass by the sink and races upstairs to get dressed. Sammy doesn’t like being late, especially today of all days, as it will be the first time that Sammy will experience scuba diving in the bay. Mid-summer has arrived, bringing warm waters that welcome new divers. Sammy, having obtained his scuba diving certificate at the local swimming pool, is now ready to take on the new challenge. He can’t help but stare out of his bedroom window once more, his eyes fixing on the sea and wondering about the adventures that await him in the future.

Hurry up Sammy, you’re going to be late! Mum’s familiar words snap Sammy back to the present.

As Sammy rushes downstairs, he is greeted by Mum standing by the front door.

Ready to go? she asks.

Of course! Sammy grins.

Well, have a good time. Go straight to the bay and come straight home after your lesson, okay? Mum orders.

I know. Sammy sighs.

Good, see you later! Mum says as she opens the door.

Your dinner will be ready when you get home!

A loud meow pauses the conversation: it’s Ozzy, a large black and white cat that lived with them since Sammy was a toddler. Ozzy raises his tail and brushes against Sammy’s legs before going upstairs.

Hi Ozzy! Bye Ozzy! Sammy says in a rush. He steps out and the door closes behind him. Before he starts to walk, he closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath of sea air. Ever since his tenth birthday, three years ago, his mum encouraged him to walk to school by himself. He doesn’t mind, in fact, he likes not having to stop and wait as Mum talks to her friends for what feels like eternity! However, Sammy still feels nervous about being alone sometimes, but the sea air helps to wash his worries away. He begins to walk slowly down the narrow, cobbled streets towards the bay, flanked by colourful terraced houses and shops. The smell of fresh bread and sausage rolls from the bakery make Sammy hungry again, as they always do! Almost every person he passes, young or old, greets him with a cheerful ‘Hello!’ or ‘Good morning!’.  To Sammy, this is why Tipton-on-Sea is the best town in the world: everyone treats each other like family. Despite this, Sammy has a strange feeling that he is missing something important. Instead of dwelling on it though, Sammy prefers to think of something happier, such as...such as the scuba diving lesson! Oh no! Sammy thought. I’m going to be late! he runs as fast as he can towards the bay. He can’t be late for something he has waited so long for!

Chapter 2

Just in Time

Made it! Sammy breathes a sigh of relief as he walks into the Lifeguard Headquarters. Some students are still saying goodbye to their parents whilst others are only just starting to walk into the changing rooms. Sammy takes a moment to look around the Headquarters, wanting to become familiar with what will be his second home. It’s not as magical as he expected. In fact, it doesn’t look magical at all. The Headquarters’ interior has plain white walls lit with yellow-tinted lights that are humming constantly. The carpet is dreary grey, discoloured at the entrance by a mixture of mud and sea water. The only colours that stand out are the yellow and red lifeguard posters splattered around the building.

A small reception area, two even smaller changing rooms, a shower, a toilet and a tiny kitchen? That’s it? Sammy thinks, disappointed with this discovery. As he’s about to enter the boys changing room, a tall, dark figure appears in the corner of Sammy’s left eye.

Good morning, Sammy. A deep, booming voice cuts through the silence and makes Sammy jump. Did I scare you? the voice continues.

Sammy slowly turns towards the voice. It’s Mr. Murphy in his scuba diving suit! Sammy places his right hand flat across his chest and breathes another sigh of relief.  Yes, Mr. Murphy! he answers.

Good! Mr. Murphy responds jokingly, Now, are you planning to wash your clothes in the sea or are you going to put your wetsuit on? Mr. Murphy always makes terrible jokes, but Sammy would rather hear Mr. Murphy’s terrible jokes than see him angry.

I am going to put my wetsuit on! Sammy replies with a slight smile.

Good idea! says Mr. Murphy. I’ve put your name on a label by your gear; get changed as quick as you can.

Sammy simply nods as he walks into the changing room.

The other boys are almost ready, so Sammy, without greeting the others, quickly sits down next to his wetsuit and rushes to put it on.  Wetsuits are never easy to put on, especially when you’re in a rush, Sammy learns this as his wetsuit scrunches and folds when he tries to get his left leg through. The more he tries, the more frustrated he becomes. The other boys leave the changing room one by one causing Sammy to panic because he hates being late.

Ben, Sammy’s best friend for five years, pauses and turns to face him. Do you want some help? he asks.

No! I’m fine! Sammy snaps.

Fine! Suit yourself! Ben responds in kind.

That’s what I’m trying to do! Sammy fires back as Ben leaves the changing room. All alone now, Sammy sits in uncomfortable silence, head down and eyes fixed to the floor. Why did I even bother coming here? he ponders. I can’t even put a wetsuit on by myself. I don’t belong in the sea. I’ve failed. His eyes well up with tears as he holds his hands flat across his face.

Five minutes pass before Mr. Murphy takes the register by the bay. Where’s Sammy? he asks the group.

He was still putting his suit on when I left, I offered to help him but he snapped at me. Ben answers, worrying for his best friend.

I see. Mr. Murphy replies coolly. I’m going to speak to Sammy; all of you are going to wait here. Understood?

Yes, Mr. Murphy! the students answer in unison.

Mr. Murphy knocks on the changing room door and says: Sammy, I’m going to open the door because I need to talk to you, okay? All that can be heard on the other side of the door is sniffing and sighs. Mr. Murphy opens the door to find Sammy sobbing to himself. He sits next to Sammy, crosses his arms and bluntly asks: What’s wrong?

Sammy, still with his hands covering his face, tries to speak with his mouth covered.

I can’t hear you through your hands, you know. Mr. Murphy responds, putting on his best teacher voice.

Sammy slowly lowers his hands as he looks up to Mr. Murphy and quietly answers: I can’t put my wetsuit on by myself. I’m a failure.

Mr. Murphy, somewhat surprised, pauses for a moment and responds, Well, I guess that makes me a failure too! I can’t put my wetsuit on by myself either!

Sammy is so stunned by what he’s hearing that he’s unable to speak.

When we had lessons at the swimming baths, I asked you to zip up the back of my wetsuit, did I not?

Sammy then remembers helping Mr. Murphy with his wetsuit.

So, listen to my instructions and we’ll be ready to start the lesson, Mr. Murphy continues.

Sammy simply nods.

Put one foot through and pull the suit up towards your knees and then your hips. Mr. Murphy instructs.

Sammy does as he’s told, putting his left foot through first and then pulling up the suit. He then looks at Mr. Murphy and waits for the next step.

Okay, do the same with the other foot. Make sure nothing is bunched or rolled up. Now pull up the wetsuit and put your arms through.

Sammy, now in his wet suit, builds up enough courage to ask: Can you zip the back of my suit please, Mr. Murphy?

No! Mr. Murphy answers Wasn’t there someone else who offered to help you before me?

Sammy instantly knows who Mr. Murphy is talking about, so he runs out of the changing room and heads towards the other students. As soon as he steps outside, Sammy can feel the warm air rushing through him...or is it embarrassment? Either way, Sammy can sense that his peers are staring at him. Standing next to Ben, Sammy struggles to look at his best friend eye-to-eye, so instead looks down at the golden sand. I’m sorry for snapping at you. Can you zip up the back of my suit please? he asks softly.

Sure. Ben answers bluntly.

Sammy turns his back towards Ben and raises his head and Ben zips up Sammy’s suit.

Thanks. says Sammy, still facing away from Ben. Both boys turn together and look at the sea. There is still some tension between them as they listen to the waves and wait for Mr. Murphy.

That’s what I’m trying to do! Ben says with a grin.

Huh? asks Sammy

That’s what I’m trying to do! Ben repeats as he looks at Sammy. Remember? That’s what you said when I told you to suit yourself! That was funny! Ben begins to laugh.

Oh yeah! You’re right! Sammy begins to remember and joins in laughing with Ben.

Mr. Murphy walks out of the headquarters, ready to begin the lesson. Passing the boys, he notices them laughing. Normally, Mr. Murphy would ask the boys to calm down and pay attention, but this time was different. This time, Mr. Murphy knew that some things are more important than starting a lesson right on time.

Chapter 3

The Lesson Begins

Feeling calm once more, Sammy takes a moment to enjoy the view. The magical beauty of the bay more than makes up for the grim Lifeguard Headquarters. The tides massaging the golden sand create soothing sounds and the sea air, of course, is far more potent. To the left of the bay is the dock, littered with fishing boats. Although a familiar sight from afar, being close enough to see the names, scratches and rust of the boats was a strange sensation. Sammy closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

Are you sleeping? interrupts Ben.

No, I’m just enjoying the view.

"With your eyes closed? Ben questions.

Sammy simply smiles.

Mr. Murphy stands in front of the class with his scuba equipment. He is about to begin when Ben says: Mr. Murphy, the zip on the back of your wetsuit is down.

Oh, well spotted, Ben. Mr. Murphy responded. Can you zip it up for me please?

Sammy notices something that he never thought about before: Mr. Murphy has never been afraid to ask for help, not even from his students, which is exactly what Mr. Murphy told him in the changing room earlier.

Mr. Murphy sits down on the sand as Ben goes to him and zips up the suit. Thanks, Ben. he says gratefully. Right, onto today’s lesson...

It’s gone! My boat is gone! a horrified voice shouts from the dock.

Mr. Murphy and all the students turn towards the dock in an instant, trying to see where the voice came from.

Look! It’s Mr. Jones, the fisherman! Ben shouts pointing towards the man flailing his arms erratically on the docks. Mr. Jones can