Children's Book: The Mystery of the Bucket and Spade (Cozy Mystery)

Chapter 6. "Lots of Fun at Rockaway Bay"

Introduction: This is a cosy mystery and adventure story, set in the summer of 1965, in Britain. Julian (12), Lucy (11), Anne (7), and Stan (7), are enjoying their school holiday and adventure at Rockaway Bay...

Chapter 6:

It was Thursday morning. Day 6 of the children's holiday. The sky was blue and it promised to be another warm and sunny day. Indeed, a perfect day for more fun, adventure, and exploring!

The four children had slept very well. They didn't come down for breakfast until nearly half-past nine! Barbara and Alice smiled when they heard the familiar rumble of feet running down the stairs and the sound of excitement in the children's voices!

"Morning, Mother! Morning, Aunt Alice!" they cried out, before sitting down at the table for their breakfast!

"Morning, my darlings!" responded their mother, feeling pleased to see them looking so happy.

Aunt Alice was concentrating on her knitting, but she gave them all a lovely smile. Jezebel wasn't there. Perhaps she was out and about, looking for Spiky, the elusive hedgehog!

"Where's Dad and Uncle John?" asked Julian, as he waited patiently for his chance to grab hold of the cereal box.

"Oh! They're at the boathouse," explained Barbara. "John's having his motorboat serviced this morning. And Tom's helping John with some maintenance work, on his rowing boat."

"Hey, I've just remembered - it's pocket-money day!" interrupted Stan, while enjoying his cornflakes. "We can spend our money at the shop!"

"Yes, we can!" agreed Anne, cheerfully. "And it will be lovely to see Mrs. Johnson again."

Barbara smiled! She liked her children's enthusiasm and willingness to put their thoughts and ideas together - for exploring!

"I'll make you a picnic - and you can have all the freedom you want today!" called out their mother. "But, please make sure you're home by five o'clock. We're having a roast dinner tonight."

"Thanks, Mother!" cried out Lucy, feeling pleased. "We'll probably be down Rockaway Bay, for most of the day."

Julian and Lucy decided to take their backpacks. Julian packed their beach towels and swimming outfits. He also took a cycling map of Rockaway Village and his binoculars. Lucy neatly packed their picnic and drink. They were soon ready to leave!

"See you later!" they cried out together, before strolling out of the back door.

The children took their bicycles out of the garage and pushed them along the driveway, before stopping at the roadside. "Let's go to the shop, first," suggested Julian. "We'll buy our comics and sweets!"

Everyone agreed. The four children cycled away together. They were feeling happy and excited because they had money to spend! It didn't take them very long to reach the shop.

"We can leave our bicycles against this wall," said Lucy, while dismounting from her bike. The four children looked excited as they went inside the shop. The sound of the ringing doorbell announced their arrival!

Captain Johnson's wife was standing behind the counter and she warmly greeted the four children. "Hello!" she cried out, with a beautiful smile on her attractive face. "How lovely to see you all, again! Are you staying down here... with Alice and John?"

"Hello, Mrs. Johnson. It's nice to see you!" responded Lucy, smiling. "Yes, that's right, we're staying with Aunt Alice and Uncle John."

"Oh! - How lovely. The weather forecast is very good... for at least another week!" declared Mrs. Johnson, sounding cheerful. "Please tell me if you need any help with anything!"