Summer Camp Murder

by S F Nightingale

  “I have no money for whatever your selling. I guess it’s some sort of religion because of your collar.”

  “I’m not selling a thing. I’m Reverend Devin Grant, and I’m looking for Nicky Pearl.”

  “Nicky’s not here. He spends his days at the library in Wolfeboro. I’m his brother Glenn.”

  Devin realized Wolfeboro was on Lake Winnipesaukee “Is he studying for an exam or checking out books.”

  “No, he’s using the internet. He thinks he’ll make millions playing Kingdom X. We sure could use the money, but it’s just a fantasy. I hardly see Nicky these days because he's always at the library," Glenn said. He seemed like a nice young man.

  “Do you know about the team Nicky was on in Kingdom X?” Devin asked.

  Glenn had a fearful look in his eyes. “Reverend, you may or may not believe in evil, but if it exists, it’s in that game. When you get that high in the levels, you can get into another version of the game. It’s not legal, and not many people know about it. I’ve said too much. Talk to Nicky. My Dad especially doesn’t need more trouble. He was laid off at the Mill, and now he works down at the hardware store.”

  Devin knew he had to get to the library and call Sam on the way. “I have to cut this short but call me at the church in Kingsvale after the summer.” He pulled one of his business cards from his wallet and handed it to him. “I can help with a job for your Dad.”

  Devin was down the driveway when Glenn called back, “Thank you Reverend.” He waved the card in the air and had a huge smile on his face.

  Chapter Ten

  Glenn was helpful but Devin was afraid he more concerned with helping his brother than aiding some unknown pastor? Glenn could easily call Nicky at the library and tip him off. Devin pressed down hard on the gas pedal.

  “Sam, I’m on my way to Wolfeboro to speak with Nicky Pearl. I think we had it all wrong,” Devin said as he sped down the twisty road. Amazed that he even had reception in an area known to cut in and out.

  “I’m aware; just had the Lattimers and Foxes in for a visit. The boys revealed Nicky Pearl’s involvement, after the reality of years in detention sunk in. I've never seen fear in a person's eyes as I did in Todd and Javon. I’ll be there with backup from the local police as soon as possible. Drive safe – you’ll be no good as an instrument of the Lord if you’re wrapped around a tree,” Sam said before disconnecting.

  Devin glanced at his St. Christopher’s medal swaying as it hung from his rearview mirror. I’ll be fine with you on my side Chris and a bit of safe driving.

  ***

  Devin arrived at the library before the police. He went inside to see if Nicky was there and he was. A tall, slender kid with shaggy, dark hair turned around and looked Devin in the eye. He started to stand up and run but probably realized; it would do no good.

  “You know what’s going on here, don’t you?” Devin asked.

  "If I didn't do it, the ruler was going to come to take me out. Max was becoming useless. The ruler was going to reward me with riches, and then I could help my family out of poverty. Todd and Javon were wrong to double cross me – they promised they would stay quiet."

  “Kingdom X is just a game, Nicky. The only ruler we have is God, and He would never order you to harm another living thing. God is the answer, not a video game. The police are on their way, but before they get here, know that God will forgive your sins. He'll be there when you're ready to accept His almighty power."

  By the time Sam arrived, she had everything figured out. After Javon and Todd came to Sam, she gave the crime scene photos a second look. Gil Marist found a third set of footprints leaving the water and leaving the opposite way. Nicky threatened the boys and said he would kill them if they talked.

  Sam came over to Devin as Nicky Pearl was taken away in a police cruiser. “I bet you’re going to be happy when summer camp is behind you.”

  “My life in Kingsvale is always busy, and I’m enjoying camp despite the turmoil. I’m glad to be at Lake Winnipesaukee because the kids are going to need help making sense of it all. There is a lot of healing to be done in this small community, and they have to learn that following the path that God laid out before us is the only real path to walk,” Devin said.

  “You’re a better man than most. Enjoy yourself while you’re here. It’s a beautiful place, and I’m sure Natalie Steele makes it much more beautiful.”

  ***

  Six weeks later, it was time to bid farewell to Lake Winnipesaukee and to Natalie Steele. Devin and Natalie had managed to make the remainder of the summer a fun and spiritual time for the campers. They also had a great time themselves and with Caleb, while he was there. They had running, swimming, romantic comedies and most of all their love of God in common.

  “Devin Grant – Valet, at your service,” Devin joked as he walked into Natalie’s cabin. I’m here to help you with your bags. Your father pulled the car around and popped the trunk. Your Mom and Caleb are enjoying a last dip in the lake.

  “Thanks, Devin.”

  "Carrying your bags is no big deal, Natalie," Devin said.

  “Not for the bags, Silly. For the entire summer. You taught me so much about loss and recovery. You taught me how to be a better Reverend, too. I laughed a lot this summer, and I thought that would never happen after John’s death. Helping other people heal is a gift, and you have it Devin, so, Thanks.”

  “My pleasure Natalie. You were moving through your grief for losing John since the day you found out he lost his life. I merely showed you that it was ok to enjoy life again. Caleb wants to see you happy.”

  Natalie’s Father beeped the horn. “My father has no patience.”

  “Wouldn’t want to keep him waiting. I’ll see you next month at the marathon. I’ll let you know when I have my flight booked. I can’t wait to see you cross the finish line.”

  “Bye, Devin.” Natalie and Devin embraced then she kissed him on the cheek before disappearing out the door.

  With his hand on his cheek, he watched her go and knew he would have a hard time waiting until next month when he would see her again.

  two cases?

  The End.

  Thank your reading my book. If you enjoyed it, please leave a review. I will really appreciate it and help me reach more readers. Thanks in advance!

  ~S.F. Nightingale

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  https://www.amazon.com/Murdered-Ebenezer-Estate-Christian-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07LFQJ5JK/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=s.f.+nightingale&qid=1553220701&s=digital-text&sr=1-3-catcorr

  The series continues… Click here to read “Of Abraham and Murder”, book 2 in the popular 18K Small Town Estate Series…

  This Series Continues With….

  18K Small Town Estate Series Book 2:

  Of Abraham and Murder

  Devin, with the help of Detective Samantha Vance, has to identify the remains.

  The boy is identified, and he didn’t die of natural causes ten years earlier, he was killed with a knife and he wasn’t the only victim. A second body is revealed to have been killed 20 years prior. Devin frantically pores over evidence and contacts families for two cold cases. Of course, the families never forgot their sons. The bodies were meticulously hidden by someone who knew the church building in Kingsvale well.

  Finding the killer becomes more urgent when a third boy goes missing and Devin fears he will meet the same fate as the others. Devin races against the clock. The clue is hidden in the Bible, but can the killer be found in time to save one of God’s children?

  Note: all of my stories are clean and wholesome with no cliffhangers. Let’s go for a ride! You’re in good hands.

  Chapter 1

  Reverend Devin Grant was late and he hated nothing more than being anything but punctual. It was the military training in him. Before settling in as the minister-in-residence for the only Protestant church in the small town of Kingsvale, New Hampshire, he’d served overseas as an Army Chaplain. At present, he maneuvered his dark gree
n 4x4 along Main Street toward the Spencer estate as thick snowflakes cascaded onto his windshield. The Spencer family had long ago acquired the property and Devin suspected the current patriarch, Ebenezer Spencer, enjoyed the prestige and pomp that came with such a large home. His was one of the last families in town that came from money. It also gave him an excuse to have a live-in housekeeper.

  He pulled his car into the circular drive and stopped in front of the large wooden doors. Just as he stepped from the driver seat, a chill wind whipped his scarf loose from around his neck and flurries pelted his coat and hair. Devin took the front steps two at a time and ducked into the front hall, shaking the flakes from his jacket. The scent of a fresh-cooked meal drew him toward the kitchen. He stopped when the décor caught his attention. A life-sized stuffed adult lion stood proud at the foot of the spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms above. Devin leaned forward and stroked the lion’s mane, his hand coming away slightly greasy. Wiping the residue on his coat, set it and his scarf on the coat tree by the door and proceeded into the kitchen to find Elena—the Spencer’s housekeeper—setting pots and pans to soak.

  Click here to read the rest now:https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Murder-Estate-Christian-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07MK1LTT8/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1548466601&sr=1-4&keywords=christian+cozy+mystery

  Download All Books by S.F. Nightingale

  Click the links below to buy or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited

  18K Small Town Estate Series Book 1: Who Murdered Uncle Ebenezer?

  18K Small Town Estate Series Book 2: Of Abraham and Murder

  18K Small Town Estate Series Book 3: Blood Over Water

  18K Small Town Estate Series Book 4: When Hope is Missing

  Download ALL Books in 18K Small Town Estate Series at a Steep Discount Now

  Who is S.F. Nightingale?

  S.F. (Sarah Faith) Nightingale is an author with a mind of a butterfly.

  She likes to daydream and pour what is in her heart into words which is mostly Christian Cozy Mysteries.

  She was born in a small town in Ohio. Now she lives with her husband and two kids in California.

  When she is not immersed in writing or reading books, she likes to cook, travel, and journal.

  Faith loves to connect and chat with her readers!

  Here’s some ways to reach her:

  Meet her on Facebook now: https://www.facebook.com/sfnightingale/

  Ever Dreamt of Being an Author?

  If so, I have a wonderful resource to share with you!

  Check out Perfect 10 Plots, a writing resource that empowers anybody to write a book quickly and easily even without tons of writing training!

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  They’re giving out a free plot template for a limited time to my readers, so I’d highly recommend checking it out now: http://bit.ly/p10p_sfnightingale

  Some of My Favorite Bible Verses

  "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

  "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

  "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).

  "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

  "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith" (Philippians 3:7-9).

  Special Thanks

  There are a lot of people I’d like to thank. The birth of this book was due to a joint effort, not a solo one.

  Here are the special ones who contributed to make this happen:

  Nightingale’s Tales Book Enhancer Team

  Janet Bunbuc

  Katie Thompson

  Kim L.

  Donna Jean Eno

  Tonia Williams

  Maus

  Jean Taylor

  Rexine MacFarlane