man, proving the Lady's powers of the unknown. Minor characters Vernon Thaxter Vernon Thaxter is the eccentric son of the richest man in town. Vernon once wanted to be a writer despite his father's disapproval and even published a book once. However, the publishers talked Vernon into changing the book to fit their market, a change that caused the book to not sell well. As a result, Vernon had a mental breakdown that brought him back home, living as though he were a child again. Vernon can often be seen walking through town naked. However, Vernon has a clear mind when it comes to watching the people in town and he manages to give Cory some insight into the killer of the mystery man in Saxon's Lake that helps him identify the culprit. Davy Ray Callan Davy Ray Callan is a friend of Cory's. Davy Ray is the friend who likes to tease the others, often voicing doubts about the games and theories the others entertain. Davy Ray has a strong opinion on everything, including the stories that Cory often tells, forcing him to stay honest to his story. The fall of 1964, Davy Ray is hunting with his father when he trips and accidentally shoots himself. Davy Ray dies during the night after the accident. Ben Sears Ben Sears is another of Cory's friends. Ben has a father who drinks moonshine with the Blaylocks, causing a great deal of tension in the home. Ben is the friend who always seems to be lagging behind, who is slower than the others. However, Ben remains a close friend to all, especially Davy Ray who delights in teasing Ben for his slowness. Ben grows up to be a successful stock broker. Johnny Wilson Johnny Wilson is a friend of Cory's. Johnny is beaten badly by the Branlin boys, Gordo and Gotha, leaving him with a concussion that excludes him from many of the summer activities the other boys indulge in. As a result, Johnny teaches himself boxing with a book written by Sugar Ray Robinson. When Gotha Branlin attempts to beat Johnny again over some arrowheads, Johnny fights back, teaching Gotha a lesson. This causes Gotha to go straight and stop beating smaller kids. In the end, Johnny grows up to be chief of police in a city in Florida. Granddaddy Jaybird Granddaddy Jaybird is Cory's paternal grandfather. Granddaddy Jaybird is a