AUTHOR'S NOTE. While the Canadian province of Ontario exists, the town of Milner's Corner and the Hawkins River exist only in the mind of the author. Although the events of this story are purely fictional, the murder victim and the details of her murder are based on a real life incident that happened in an Ontario town in 1985. Thankfully, the killer was subsequently arrested. In early 1986 he was convicted of the crime and sentenced to life in prison.
THE PLACE. MILNER'S CORNER, ONTARIO, CANADA
THE DATE. DECEMBER 18, 2024
Wow, Beth sure wasn't kidding when she said this was a small town. Sarah Hopper thought as she walked over the bridge that ran over the Hawkins River. It was the Christmas break, and the twenty-one year old brunette was in the small town of Milner's Corner, Ontario, to visit the home of her new friend, Beth McBride. The two young woman had become friends while attending Ottawa University, both were the same age and shared similar interests, and Beth suggested that Sarah come visit and meet her family during the Christmas break. Sarah was looking over the river, when her cell phone rang. Quickly, she answered it. "Hello?"
"Hi Sarah," Beth's voice replied. "Did you get in on time?"
"Yeah, I did," Sarah said. "Where are you, Beth?"
"Well that is what I'm calling about," Beth replied. "My brother and his family just arrived and my Mom insisted we have a family brunch together. That means I won't be able to meet you for an hour or so."
"I see," Sarah said. "I guess family obligations do come first."
"Listen, Sarah, there is a Burger King on Main Street. Can you find your way there?"
"Yeah, no problem," Sarah answered.
"Well why don't I meet you there," Beth suggested. "I'll call when I'm leaving home."
"That sounds like a plan," Sarah replied. "I'm sure I can find something to occupy my time while I wait."
"Good, see you later, Sarah."
"Right," Sarah said and ended the call. Now to find a way to kill an hour. Sarah thought to herself.
OOOOOOOO
Some time later, Sarah entered a small park, that ran beside the Hawkins River. The park seemed remote and out of the way. A long deserted railway embankment ran along the far edge of the park, and, according to Beth, no train had run on those tracks for at least half-a-century. Hmmmm, I guess not too many people come here. Sarah thought. She wandered along, looking at the river, and didn't see the young girl until she practically bumped into her. Where the heck did she come from? Sarah thought to herself. "Hello," Sarah said to the girl.
"Hello," the girl replied back to Sarah. She had dark, curly hair, and appeared to be in her mid-teens.
"My name is Sarah," Sarah said, sticking out her hand.
"I'm Heather," the girl replied, taking Sarah's hand.
"Sorry about that, Heather," Sarah said. "However, I didn't see you until just now. Where did you come from?"
"Nowhere. I was here all along," Heather replied.
"Really, I guess my head must have been in the clouds," Sarah said. "Because I sure didn't see you there a second ago."
"Some people see me, while others don't," Heather said enigmatically.
What? Sarah thought. "So, Heather, do you live here in Milner's Corner?"
"I used to," Heather replied. "I love this town and everyone in it. I hated having to leave my family and friends, but I didn't have a choice."
"Yeah, it sucks when you're uprooted from everything you know," Sarah said, nodding her head in agreement. When she was little, her father had been in the Canadian Army, so Sarah spend much of her childhood moving around, as her father went from one assignment to another.
"Still, I visit," Heather said slowly.
"Well, when you get older, Heather, you can always move back here permanently," Sarah pointed out.
"If only that were so," Heather replied, a sad look coming over her face.
Huh? What does THAT mean? the puzzled Sarah thought. However, before she could pursue the matter further, her cell phone rang again. "Sorry, Heather, I have to take this," Sarah said and answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Hi Sarah, it's me," Beth said. "I'm leaving for the Burger King now."
"Okay, Beth, I'll be there soon," Sarah said and hung up. She noticed that Heather seemed fascinated by the cell phone. "What is it, Heather?" Sarah asked.
"That device you have in your hand," Heather said. "It's amazing how much technology has changed since 1984."
1984? Sarah thought. What does that have to do with anything? This is strange, very strange!
"Is something wrong, Sarah?" Heather asked.
"Uh, no. Everything is okay," Sarah said. "Listen, Heather, it was nice meeting you, but I have to go meet a friend now."
"I understand," Heather replied. "Perhaps we'll meet again someday."
"Yeah, maybe," Sarah said. After saying good bye to Heather, Sarah began walking out of the park. However, before she got five feet, she began to think. So what if this Heather girl is a little strange, she seems nice. I think I'll invite her to join me and Beth for lunch. With that, Sarah turned and began to speak. "Say, Heather, why don't you..." she trailed off when she saw that Heather was nowhere to be seen. "What the heck? Where did she go?" Sarah said as she looked all around the park, but there was no sign of Heather. How the heck did she get out of my sight so fast? Shrugging her shoulders, Sarah headed off to meet Beth for lunch, but was unable to get the strange encounter with Heather out of her thoughts.
OOOOOOOO
"Sarah, are you okay?" Beth asked once the two of them had finished their lunch at Burger King. "You seem distracted." The young redhead had noticed that Sarah seemed to be lost in thought.
"Well something weird happened to me, Beth, before I came to meet you here," Sarah said and went on to describe her encounter with Heather. After Sarah had finished her story, she noticed that Beth had a strange look in her eyes. "Beth, what is it?" Sarah asked.
"Come with me. I think I can tell you what is going on here," Beth said. She got up out of the booth and Sarah followed her.
OOOOOOOO
Beth led Sarah to the Milner's Corner Public Library, which was located just down the street. "What were looking for should be here," Beth said. "The library has all the articles from our town newspaper in their computer database."
"Beth, what's going on?" Sarah asked. "What is this all about?"
"I'll show you," Beth replied and sat down at one of the computer terminals. Soon she began punching up information. "Ah, here we are. Take a look at this, Sarah," Beth said as she got up from the terminal.
"Okay," Sarah said and sat down. Beth had pulled up a newspaper article from December of 1984. Forty years ago, Sarah thought and began to read the article in question.
SLAYING OF POPULAR TEEN OUTRAGES TOWN
The small town of Milner's Corner was shocked at the brutal rape and murder of 16-year-old Heather MacDonald, a popular Grade 11 student. Heather's lifeless body was found in a small park by the Hawkins River. An autopsy later determined that Heather had been raped and then brutally stabbed to death.
"Huh, I don't understand," Sarah said to Beth.
"Look at the picture of the murder victim," Beth replied, pointing to the picture of a teenage girl that was included in the article.
"Okay, I..." Sarah began, but then her voice died in her throat when she saw the picture. The murdered girl, Heather MacDonald, and the mysterious young girl, Heather, that Sarah had met in the park were the same person, even down to the dark, curly hair.
"The park you said you met Heather in, that's where the murder took place, forty years ago," Beth said.
"So what you're saying is that... I met.. I met a ghost?" Sarah asked.
"Yep," Beth replied. "You're not the first one, Sarah. Many times over these past decades, people have reported meeting Heather in that park."
"But how, and why?" Sarah asked slowly.
"Who knows," Beth replied. "Heather did love this town, so perhaps she just doesn't want to leave."
"That's what she said to me," Sarah said. "She hated to leave her family and friends." Sarah paused for thought. "Did they ever find out who killed her?"
"No," Beth said, shaking her head. "They never found the killer. Maybe that's another reason Heather remains here, she is waiting for justice. Hopefully, some day, that justice will happen. Who can say? Let's head out."
"Hang on, Beth, I want to read more about Heather," Sarah said and turned back to the computer. "Hmmmm, it seems Heather was a student councillor, an athlete, and she even taught Sunday School at her Church."
"Yeah, from what I understand, Heather was a very popular girl," Beth replied. "She didn't seem to have any enemies. That is why the police think it was a random act. Heather was just in the wrong place and the wrong time"
"I guess so," Sarah said, nodding her head. The two women soon left the library and were walking down the street. "Beth, do you know anything about Heather's family?"
"A little," Beth answered. "She had an older brother named Thomas. I think he's in the Navy now, and stationed in Halifax. Her parents still live here in Milner's Corner. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, just curious."
"You and many others. Apparently anyone who claimed to have met Heather in the park has asked about her," Beth said.
"It's just a shame there never found her killer," Sarah said with anger. "Anyone who would rape and kill a nice girl like Heather does not deserve to be walking around free."
"I agree. However, there really wasn't much to go on. The police did all they could, but so many people had come and gone from the scene after Heather's body was found. The tracks of the killer were wiped out. As for physical evidence, there really wasn't much to help the police, don't forget that this was before DNA testing came into common use. Finally, there were no witnesses to the crime itself."
"Yeah, I guess..." Sarah began, and then realized something. "Hang on, Beth, there is a witness. Heather herself!"
"Huh?" Beth asked.
"Why don't we go to the park and see if we can contact Heather. She could tell us what happened."
"Sarah, I don't know if this will work," Beth pointed out.
"Well it's worth a try. Let's go!" Sarah said and quickly headed back towards the small park, with Beth following close behind.
OOOOOOOO
The small park was quiet and empty when Sarah and Beth arrived and began to slowly look around. "So what do we do now, Sarah?" Beth asked.
"I really don't know," Sarah replied. "I've never done anything like this before."
"Do you really think that Heather could help solve the case?"
"It's possible," Sarah replied. "I remember seeing a case on one of those crime shows, Unsolved Mysteries or America's Most Wanted, I can't remember which one for sure. Anyway, the case was about the ghost of a murder victim who returned and helped lead police to her own killer."
"I thought the legal system didn't recognize the existence of ghosts," Beth said.
"Well, it never really got that far," Sarah said. "Once the police confronted the killer, he confessed to the crime. So he was arrested right there and then."
"So you hope that something like that will happen here?"
"Yep," Sarah replied and then called out. "Heather! Are you here? We want to help you! Heather, can you hear me!?"
"I don't know if..." Beth began and then broke off when she saw that she and Sarah were no longer alone. In a split second, Heather had appeared in front of them. Well, I'll be damned! Beth thought to herself.
"Well, Heather, you said we might meet again," Sarah said as she turned to face the teenaged spirit. "Here we are."
"Please don't try to help me," Heather said sadly. "No one can."
"Why do you say that, Heather?" Beth asked.
"Although time no longer has any meaning for me, I am aware of the passage of the years. Forty years is a long time." Heather replied.
Whoa! Sarah thought. The revelation brought all conversation to a halt for a moment as Sarah and Beth took in what Heather had told them. For Heather, time has virtually stood still for four decades, Sarah continued to think. Everyone Heather went to high school with are now in middle age. Some of them may even have children that are the same age as Heather was when she died. In fact, when Heather was alive, Beth and I weren't even born yet. After a few moments of silence, Sarah said. "None the less, Beth and I will try to help you, Heather. At least we can get justice for you."
"How?" asked Heather.
"Okay, first of all, we need you to tell us what happened on the night you were... The night that..." Sarah broke off, looking for the right words.
"Your last night as a mortal," Beth supplied.
"Very well," Heather replied and proceeded to tell her story...
*FLASHBACK. DECEMBER 6, 1984*
"So if there is no further business on the agenda, I declare this meeting closed," Doug Gharman, the President of the Milner's Corner High School student council said. All around the table, everyone agreed.
Finally, Heather MacDonald thought. Although she enjoyed her duties as a student councillor, sometimes it did get tiring, like now, when the meetings ran late. It's after five. I better get going. With that thought, Heather soon headed for her locker, got her jacket on, and was soon out in the school parking lot. She hadn't gotten far when a car pulled up beside her. The window opened and Emily Packard, a fellow student councillor and a friend of Heather's, popped her head out. "Hi Emily," Heather said.
"Hi Heather," Emily replied. She was not alone in the car, three other student councillors were with her. They were busy listening to the car radio, from which the voice of Bruce Springsteen blasted out his song, Born In The U.S.A.
"So, what are you up to?" Heather asked.
"We're heading for Burger King, for a post meeting meal. Would you like to join us, Heather?"
"Oh, I'd love to, Emily," Heather replied. "However, I still have some Sunday School lessons to revise. I've been putting that off all week now."
"Okay, I guess I'll see you later then," Emily said, smiling.
"Yeah, take care," Heather replied and watched as the car drove away. Sometimes I think I should cut back on my extracurricular activities, maybe I'd have more time to relax, Heather thought as she started to walk home. Maybe I'll take Mike up on his dinner offer. Mike Baker was a student who had several classes with Heather and was a friend. However, it was clear that he was interested in becoming more than just friends with Heather. The two of them had already casually dated once, going to the movies to see The Terminator some weeks back. More recently, Mike had asked Heather out to dinner, and Heather had replied with a maybe, so the door was clearly open. Yes, I think I will take Mike up on his offer. I'll call him when I get home. These thoughts kept Heather occupied as she made her way home through Milner's Corner. It was a relatively quiet evening and Heather was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the footsteps behind her. It was only when she reached the small park that ran alongside the Hawkins River, not far from her home, that she turned around to see who was following her. "Who's there?" Heather asked as she saw a figure approaching her.
"Relax, it's just me. It's Derek Norton," The tall, blonde, boy stepped out of the darkness. Derek was the captain of the school football team and a known braggart.
"Jeez, Derek, you scared the crap out of me!" Heather snapped. "What are you doing lurking in the shadows?"
"Take it easy, Heather. I just want to know if you've changed your mind about going out with me."
"Sorry, Derek, but my answer is still no," Heather replied, hoping Derek would take the hint and go away. "I'm just not interested." She added in her mind. Besides, I already have plans with someone else.
"Why not!?" Derek bleated. "Most girls would kill to go out with me."
"Well, I'm not most girls. Now if you'll excuse me, Derek, I have to go." With that, Heather turned and began to walk away, but Derek quickly grabbed her arm.
"What's the matter?" Derek snarled. "I'm not good enough for you? Don't forget, my Dad is Mayor of this town!"
"That does not give you the right to push people around," the now angry Heather replied. "Now let go of my arm!" Heather could now smell alcohol on Derek's breath. Obviously, he'd had a few drinks after leaving school, despite being under age.
"Not yet, bitch!" Derek snapped and before Heather realized what was happening, he swung his fist around and hit her in the side of the head. Dazed, Heather collapsed into his arms and Derek carried her farther into the park, away from the road. When they had reached the far end of the park, near the old railway embankment, Derek threw Heather onto the ground. "Okay, you stuck up bitch! Let's see how much you can really take from a true man!" he snarled. With that, Derek began to unzip his pants.
"No," Heather moaned, seeing what was coming, but still too dazed to do anything about it. She tried to get up, but Derek quickly grabbed her and hit her again. Heather sank back down, the pain almost causing her to pass out. She felt Derek pulling her pants down.
"Okay, time to take your medicine!" Derek said as he began to do the unspeakable, he forced himself on Heather.
Oh God! NO! Heather screamed in her mind. She wanted to scream and cry out, but Derek kept one gloved hand clamped over her mouth and partly over her nose. Heather could barely breathe, let alone call for help. Waves of pain flowed through her as Derek violated her, clearly enjoying himself. After what seemed like hours, Derek withdrew from her and stood up, pulling his pants up. Heather's body was racked with pain from Derek's brutal assault.
"Hope you enjoyed it," Derek said sarcastically.
"Damn you!" Heather moaned as she got slowly to her feet and pulled her own pants up. "You won't get away with this, Derek. I'll tell my family, my friends, anyone who'll listen, about what you did to me tonight!"
"You'll tell no one!" Derek snarled. Before Heather realized what was happening, Derek had pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the upper right chest. Heather felt the blade go right through her. The world became all fuzzy as she slid to the ground. She half-saw Derek, the bloody knife in his hands, slowly backing away. Soon he broke into a full run and was gone.
My God, I've got to get out of here! Heather thought desperately. Slowly, she managed to get onto her hands and knees and begin to crawl back towards the road. Must keep going! Must keep going! Heather thought, over and over again. She barely felt the pain in her chest, she barely felt her life's blood ebbing away, the shock had locked her mind into this one pattern. She managed to almost make it back to the road when her strength gave out. She collapsed into the snow and lay there, soaked in her own blood. Soon the chill of winter gave way to a feeling of warmth and peace as hypothermia set in. I think I'll just close my eyes and sleep. Just for a little while, Heather thought. For a while, the world went away. Suddenly, Heather's awareness returned and she found herself standing up. Huh? What happened? she thought, before looking down on the ground. It didn't take Heather long to realize that she was staring down at her own dead body. That's me! What is going on? The next few hours were surreal. As Heather looked on, she saw a passing car stop and two people get out and approach her body. She tried to speak to them, but then seemed unable to see or hear her. Soon an ambulance was called and soon after, the police arrived. Heather soon realize that life as a mortal was now over and a new existence had begun.
*FLASHBACK ENDS*
"...and that's how it happened," Heather concluded.
"My God," Beth said, slowly shaking her head. "I can't imagine what it must have been like for you, Heather. I am so sorry."
"So am I," Sarah added. "That is why I'm going to help you, Heather. No matter what!"
"Thank you both," Heather replied. "I think I'd like to be alone for a while now. I'll return later." With those words, Heather slowly faded away, leaving Sarah and Beth behind.
"So do you know anything about that Derek Norton guy that Heather mentioned?" Sarah asked.
"A little," Beth replied. "He's on the Town Council now. Some say that he may run for Mayor in the next election." Beth went on to explain that Derek's father, Ralph Norton, had been Mayor for years, including the year that Heather was killed. There had been rumours of Ralph taking bribes from shady characters and businesses, but nothing had ever been proven, and Ralph remained Mayor of Milner's Corner until his death by a heart attack in 1994.
"Hmmmm, I think I'm beginning to see a pattern here," Sarah said. "I think it's likely that Ralph helped Derek cover up the crime."
"What do you mean, Sarah?"
"Well if what you told me is true, Ralph was not above bending a few rules to stay on top. Did he have any other children besides Derek?"
"No," Beth replied, shaking her head. "From what I understand, Ralph's wife left him soon after Derek was born. He never remarried."
"Well, then more than convinced that Ralph did help his son elude justice," Sarah concluded.
"Well even if he did, we have no proof," Beth replied. "We can't just go accusing a public official of murder without proof."
"I know," Sarah said, and began to think. Soon an idea came to her. "However, I do have a plan. It's risky, but it just might work."
"What is it?" The curious Beth asked.
"Listen," Sarah said and began to lay out her plan.
DECEMBER 19
Derek Norton arrived at his office in the Town Hall. He was going through his mail when his secretary paged him, saying that he had an important call. Sighing, Derek took the call. "Hello, Derek Norton speaking. What is this all about?"
"You don't know me, Mr. Norton," the female voice replied. "However, we need to discuss something."
"Make an appointment with my secretary," Derek said.
"I don't think so," the female voice said.
"Why not?" Derek asked.
"I'm afraid this can't wait," the voice said. "It concerns Heather MacDonald."
"What!?" Derek hissed, nearly dropping the phone.
"You heard me. I suggest we meet somewhere private to discuss this. How about a certain park by the Hawkins River, at about eight o'clock tonight. I think you might want to hear what I have to say."
"I... I'll be there," Derek said and shakily hung up the phone. He got up and began pacing around his office. How the hell could she know about Heather MacDonald? No one saw it! No one! Derek thought. My Dad handled it, like he always did. There is no way anyone else could have known about it. NO WAY! Derek's mind then did a slow dissolve back to that night in 1984.
*FLASHBACK. DECEMBER 6, 1984*
"You'll tell no one!" Derek snarled and then pulled out the knife he had been hiding and stabbed Heather MacDonald in the upper right chest. As Heather slumped to the ground, Derek suddenly realized what had happened, the buzz the booze had given him suddenly faded away. Oh my God! What have I done!? Derek's mind screamed as he slowly backed away from Heather, before turning and running from the scene as fast as his feet would carry him. He quickly made his way home and blundered in the front door. "Daddy!" he called out. "Daddy, I'm in trouble!"
"What in God's name is all the yelling about?" Ralph Norton asked as he appeared on the scene. "I could hear you..." Ralph broke off when he saw the bloody knife in his son's hand. "Derek, what have you done?"
"I think I killed her," Derek replied and began to cry. "I think I..." he got no further as his father slapped him across the face.
"Get a hold of yourself, for God's sake!" Ralph snapped. "Now, tell me what happened."
"Okay, Daddy," Derek said and went on to explain about his attack on Heather MacDonald. "I didn't mean to kill her, but when she said she'd tell, I panicked and stabbed her!"
"I see," Ralph said, slowing nodding his head. "Did anyone else see you? Was anyone else around?"
"I don't think so," Derek said slowly.
"Good, then I think we can handle this."
"Handle it?" Derek asked. "We have to go to the police! We have to..." Once again, Derek was interrupted by his father slapping him.
"Now you listen to me, son!" Ralph snapped. "I've busted my butt to get where I am now, to get elected Mayor of this town! Some of the things I've done have not exactly been on the up and up, but I've managed to live with it. I've built a good life for the both of us. Wouldn't you agree, son?"
"Yes," Derek replied, nodding his head.
"Well, I have plans for you to continue after me," Ralph went on. "However, if you went to prison, those plans will come to nothing. I will not allow that to happen! So, you listen to me, Derek, and listen good. If anyone ever asks about where you were tonight, you'll tell them you were here with me! Got it?"
"Yes, Daddy, I got it."
"Good, and remember to always stick with that story, no matter what!" Ralph then placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Don't worry, Derek, we'll get through this."
"We'll get though this," Derek slowly repeated after his father.
*FLASHBACK ENDS*
Daddy was true to his word, Derek thought. I stuck to the story he gave me and no one ever connected me to the crime, until now that is! Derek continued to pace and looked around the office. Following his graduation from high school, Derek had gone to a good university, thanks to his father. When he had finished that, Derek returned to Milner's Corner and began to pursue a career in local politics, like his father before him. Ralph did not live to see his son finally make it to the Town Council, but Derek threw himself into the job just like his father would have. Derek had never married, that would be taking on too much of an outside responsibility, and Derek did not have time for such trivial matters. He had made local politics his life, and had done a good job, at least he thought so. Now it might all end because of a mistake he had made forty years ago. No way am I going to let that happen, Derek thought as he went over to his desk, opened and drawer, and pulled out the gun that lay within it.
OOOOOOOO
"Are you sure this is going to work, Sarah?" Beth asked. The two of them were waiting in the small park.
"Well it's too late to back out now," Sarah replied. "Derek sounded very nervous over the phone. No doubt he's on his way here now." Sarah had been the one to call Derek Norton and tell him that she knew everything about Heather. "Now I just hope our wild card comes into play."
"It looks like we don't have any more time," Beth said and pointed to a car that had pulled up on the road beside the park. The driver's door opened and Derek Norton got out and came towards them.
"Here he comes," Sarah whispered.
"Is one of you the woman that called me today?" Derek asked when he walked up to Sarah and Beth.
"Yep, that was me," Sarah replied. "We need to talk, Mr. Norton."
"I see," Derek said. "Okay, how much do you want?"
"Huh?"
"How much money do you want to keep quiet," Derek continued. "I know for a fact that you don't have a shred of evidence against me, but still even the rumours you could start could hurt me. I can't risk that."
"I'm afraid you've misunderstood me, Mr. Norton. This isn't about blackmail," Sarah replied. "This is about doing what's right."
"Which is?" Derek asked.
"Turning yourself in and confessing to what you did here in this park, forty years ago," Sarah said with conviction.
"After all, murder is murder," Beth added.
"Boy, was I worried for nothing!" Derek said as he began to laugh. "I'm sorry to disappoint you ladies, but I have big plans for my future. Going to jail is not among them." With those words, Derek pulled out his gun and trained it on Sarah and Beth.
"Sarah!?" Beth said with fear in her voice.
"Don't worry, Beth, I can handle this," Sarah replied and turned back to Derek. "So, Derek, what now? You shoot us both. Don't forget that your father is not around to help you this time."
"Dammit, why can't you let this go!" Derek snapped. "I didn't intend to kill Heather MacDonald, but it just happened that way! I panicked, I wasn't thinking straight!"
"Maybe so," Sarah said, not taking her eyes off the gun. "However, what will be your excuse this time?"
"Shut up and let me think!" Derek replied, his voice cracking.
"It's over, Derek. Give it up," Sarah said.
"No, I can't!" Derek screamed. "She's dead! I'm sorry, but she's dead. There is nothing more to discuss on this matter!"
"I beg to differ," Heather's voice said as she appeared behind Derek.
"Wha..." Derek said as he turned around and saw Heather advancing on him.
"I've been waiting forty long years for this moment, Derek," Heather said. "It's time for you to answer for what you did to me!"
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Derek shrieked. "YOU'RE DEAD! I KILLED YOU! YOU'RE DEAAAAAAAD!" In panic, Derek raised his gun and fired at Heather. Of course, the bullets passed harmlessly through her. Derek kept firing until the clicking sounds of an empty barrel told him he'd used up all his bullets. He threw the empty gun away started to back away from Heather.
"Yes, Derek, I'm dead, thanks to you," Heather replied. "You haven't forgotten what you did to me here in this park. Because I certainly haven't forgotten!"
"NO! Keep away! Keep away!" Derek screamed. With that, he turned and ran out of the park, not even bothering to get back into his car.
"Should we go after him?" Beth asked.
"No, I think we should let fate take its course now," Sarah said.
OOOOOOOO
Officers Doug Gharman and Mike Baker of the Milner's Corner Police Force were on a routine patrol in their squad car, when they came upon a strange site. Derek Norton, of the Town Council, running down the street like his feet were on fire. Quickly, they pulled over and got out to investigate. "Mr. Norton, are you okay?" Doug asked.
"Please, don't let her get me!" Derek said.
"Who?" Mike asked.
"Heather MacDonald!" Derek replied.
"Heather MacDonald!?" Doug and Mike said at the same time. Both were startled at the mention of their old classmate and friend. Forty years earlier, Doug had been President of the same Student Council as Heather was on. Mike had been the boy who had wanted Heather to become his steady girlfriend.
"Yes, her!" Derek babbled. "She's after me! I raped and killed her forty years ago, and now she's out for revenge!"
"You what!?" Mike said, anger creeping into his voice. For forty years he had wanted to find out who had killed Heather, the girl he had loved. His grief over Heather's murder was the event that led him to join the Milner's Corner Police Force, in the hopes he would get the chance to solve the case. Now, amazingly, it had happened. However, anger now took hold of him. I ought to kick this creep's ass! Mike thought as he advanced on Derek.
"No, Mike, we'll do this by the book," Doug said and turned to Derek. "Derek Norton, you are under arrest for the rape and murder of Heather MacDonald..."
OOOOOOOO
The next day, the following article appeared in the Milner's Corner newspaper.
TOWN COUNCILMAN ARRESTED FOR FORTY YEAR OLD MURDER
Derek Norton, a prominent man on the Town Council, was arrested last night for the 1984 rape and murder of 16-year-old Heather MacDonald. Mr. Norton confessed the crime to Officers Douglas Gharman and Michael Baker, when they found him wandering the streets last night. What sealed the case was that Norton knew things only the murderer would have known. "I just hope this will bring closure to this case." Officer Baker, who had been a high school friend of Heather's, was quoted as saying. "I hope now that Heather can rest in peace."
OOOOOOOO
"Well it looks like we did it," Beth said as she and Sarah once again stood in the small park.
"Yeah, we did," Sarah said, smiling. "Of course, Heather herself helped the most."
"Did you figure that she would appear and scare Norton into confessing?" Beth asked.
"Yes, I did," Sarah replied. "That is why I suggested Norton meet us here, where the murder happened. I said I wanted to help Heather."
"Yes, and I thank you for it, Sarah," Heather said as she appeared beside them.
"You're welcome, Heather," Sarah replied and Beth nodded her head in agreement.
"I just wanted to say good-bye before I left," Heather added.
"You're leaving?" Beth asked. "If I may ask, where are you going, Heather?"
"I don't know," Heather replied. "I just know that my time here is over. It's time I moved on to whatever awaits me. Farewell, my friends." As Sarah and Beth looked on, the smiling Heather faded away.
"I guess we've laid our ghost to rest," Beth said.
"Well, Beth, let me say this," Sarah replied. "Your small town is sure more interesting that I thought it would be!"
"Yeah, I guess it is. So, Sarah, how would you like to see the rest of the town now?" Beth asked.
"Lead on," Sarah said. The two friends left the park and headed off to see all the sights that Milner's Corner had to offer. However, neither would forget the new friend they had made and how they helped her find the peace that had so long eluded her.