More Harry Hogan stories!
Harry Hogan stood on the front porch of Miss Pinkerton’s house, a cup of coffee in one hand, watching as people gathered for the town’s first Garden Party in almost forty years. The forecast was predicting a hot day but, thankfully, many of the events were set up in the shade of the big old trees on Miss Pinkerton’s estate. They were calling it a Garden Party Reunion.
Edith Pinkerton had wanted to witness one more summer Garden Party, during which she would announce the release of her autobiography. So she had contacted three former committee members to get things going.
Although not an official Committee member, she had been available when her opinion or advice was required. Harry had also been there and he could clearly recall that first meeting.
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Cameron Short ‘Shorty’ – high school principal, Martin Peters ‘Marty’ – semi-retired lawyer, and Spencer Williams ‘Spence’ – construction company owner, had been friends since their school years.
She was pleased when the men turned up, with lots of ideas for booths, games, and other events. They also had a list of people willing to serve on the committee and to help out during the event.
“I say,” Marty said suddenly, “did anyone ever find out what happened to Old Scrooge during that last Garden Party?” Everyone shrugged and shook their heads.
“Not that I know of,” Spence said.
“That was the year after we graduated,” Shorty said.
“He just disappeared,” Marty added, “though people say Isaacs’ ghost still lives on the estate.”
“Yeah, the Garden Party Ghost,” Shorty said. “Forty years ago.”
“How about it, Hogan?”Spence asked. “Interested in trying?”
“Maybe,” Harry replied, “if I knew who and what you’re talking about.”
“His name was Jeremiah Isaacs, called Scrooge for his thriftiness. I’ll email you what I have for my book,” Miss Pinkerton said.
Harry gave her a puzzled look. “I thought that was finished.”
“I’m working on a new one about historic and interesting people, places and events of this town,” she explained.
“Good Lord, woman,” Shorty said, “haven’t you started to slow down yet?”
“Not her style, she won’t slow down until she stops breathing,” Glory said. “And then she’ll probably become the most active ghost around town.”
Miss Pinkerton laughed. “Glory, you know me better than I know myself. These books won’t make me famous, but I hope they’ll be of some interest to the local population.”
As the meeting ended and everyone headed home, Harry looked at the three men. “Think about Isaacs over the weekend. Try to recall everything you knew, heard, or observed about him. Stop by the office Monday and tell me what you remembered.”
“I have a conference on Monday,” Shorty said. “I’ll write it down and drop it off on the way to school.”
“Works for me.” Harry looked at the other two. “You want to do the same?”
