Sanford Secrets: Treasure at Dolphin Bay

And Now Mermaids?

"What? Mermaids?" asked Harry. "Are you pulling our legs? Dr. Von Hoffer believes in mermaids?"

Jacob rolled his eyes. "I didn't say I believed in them, there's been no scientific proof that they exist or ever existed." He wagged his finger. "But if they do exist, they've hid themselves rather well from the rest of us."

"Don't ever let Mr. Hoenig hear you talk like that," mumbled Harry.

Jacob scoffed. "I plan not to, unless I have the proof to show him."

But Robby's mind was going a mile a minute. It made sense, though, weren't there stories all around the world about half human, half fish people? Sure, his parents, his father in particular, speculated that it was nothing more than dolphins or another cetacean because of how smart they were. James had already scolded him for believing in the kraken, but there were more stories about mermaids than the kraken. How could all these people be wrong? There had to be some truth to these tales! Robby closed his eyes and pushed the wild thoughts out of his head. And if they were true, the mermaids had kept themselves a secret since then. Why should they take that away from them? But then, if mermaids were real . . .

"Would vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, fairies, elves, and all the rest be real too?" blurted Robby. Harry and Jacob glanced at him. "If mermaids were real, that is," he quickly added. "And it would be possible, but, if they've stayed hidden all this time, why destroy their peace?"

Jacob smiled warmly at his grandson. "I can see James and Miriam have raised you well indeed." He clapped Robby on the back. "You are absolutely right. If they want to communicate with us, they will. Otherwise, we should let things be. We can't exactly learn about each other if one party is unwilling to talk with us."

"So, no more talk about mermaids?" asked Harry.

Jacob put up his hands. "No more talk about mermaids, except to swap a regular old fairy tale. And now that you mention it, Robby, that might in fact have been the reason why Irene told you Devil's Hat was haunted. Like you said, Harry, it made more sense for an island to be called Devil's Hat if there are spirits involved. Plus, there have been a few tourists who would go out there, not just for surfing or fishing, but to see if they could catch a glimpse of a mermaid. If they are real, she was probably doing them a service to keep even more curious minds away from the island." He let out a huff. "That being said, considering the generous helping of poi mochi and liliko'i bars, Uncle Billy seems impressed with you two."

"Until our stomachs started rumbling when he brought out the food," quipped Harry.

Jacob laughed. "Oh, he knows how you teenage boys are. But I'll be sure to let him know that the food was delivered safely and eaten by everyone, not just you two."

"Oh thanks," muttered Harry.

"Well that's swell of you, Grandpa," quipped Robby.

Jacob laughed. "It's the least I could do for free delivery."

"Yeah, sure," said Robby, but he was grinning from ear to ear.

Dr. Cho poked her head into the room. "Oh good, you're still here. I just got off the phone with the police. They want to talk to you and Irene about what you found out at Jack's house. I mean, they'll probably find out the exact same things, but since you've already looked, they can use some of what you've found."

Robby and Harry glanced at each other before looking at Dr. Cho. "Did you talk to my parents?" asked Robby.

Dr. Cho nodded. "I did, they said they can wait a little longer until you've talked to the police. Now I must go catch Irene. Thank you!"