“So, I guess we were chasing a ghost, after all,” Shorty said.
They looked at him and Marty said, “You sound disappointed.”
“I hoped there’d be some clue about what happened to him.”
“We might never know,” Spence said. “And his ghost will always be around.”
“At least you can just concentrate on the Garden Party,” Harry said.
“With lots of help,” Spence said, looking at Harry. “You interested?”
Harry laughed. “Sorry, but I’m already committed to overseeing security.”
“Should have known she’d nab you for that,” Marty said, closing the door behind him.
********************
Harry’s thoughts returned to the present as Miss Pinkerton appeared beside him on the front porch. “You look rather pleased with yourself,” he said.
“Shouldn’t I be?” she asked. “I think everything has turned out well.”
“It has, and you have every right to be,” he said.
“Thank you,” she said. “Now, be a dear and find Mayor Penny for me, please, so we can officially open this shindig.” Harry chuckled as he started down the steps. “Oh! We need the committee members too.”
Harry sent Spence, Marty and Shorty to round up the Committee while he went in search of the Mayor. When they were all gathered on the porch, someone blew a horn to attract everyone’s attention.
Miss Pinkerton welcomed everyone, thanked them for coming, and said that her book would be available shortly. Then she called on the Mayor, who said a few words and declared the event open.
As people began to move around, checking out the games and items for sale, Glory nudged Harry’s arm. “Do you believe in ghosts, Mr. Hogan?”
He smiled and shook his head. “You know I don’t, Glory. Why?”
“Because there’s one walking towards us,” she whispered. “Don’t let Shorty, Spence and Marty move.” As she spoke, the three men appeared beside them, staring in disbelief.
“Why are you whispering?” Harry asked.
“It’s him,” Glory said.
“Who?” Harry asked.
“People have seen him for years, but ghosts can’t come back to life.”
“Glory!” Harry gave her arm a little shake.
She pointed at a tall thin, white-haired man making his way through the crowds towards them. “Jeremiah Isaacs,” she whispered. Harry frowned as he watched the man she was looking at.
Miss Pinkerton heard them and turned to see what they were whispering about. Her eyes grew wide. Then she smiled and held out her hand as the man climbed the steps. “Is it really you?” she asked softly.
“Yes, ma’am.” He took her hand briefly. “Ever since I left, I’ve dreamed of returning home. Until now, it wasn’t possible.”
“Where…?” He shook his head and she nodded. “You’re right. Now is not the time or place, but one day, Jeremiah.”
He smiled and nodded. “One day, when the time is right, I’ll tell everyone.”
She grasped Harry’s sleeve and pulled him closer. “Harry Hogan, meet Jeremiah Isaacs.” As the two men shook hands, she added, “He’s a private detective, who’s been helping the boys try to solve your disappearance.”
“We didn’t have any luck,” Harry said, as the boys gathered around.
“What happened to you?” Spence asked.
“Where have you been?” Marty demanded.
“No more Garden Party Ghost sightings,” Shorty said.
“I certainly hope not,” Isaacs said.
Harry laughed. “The ghost has returned. I guess there’s a first time for everything after all.”
