Samantha Sanderson on the Scene

by Robin Caroll

  Sam followed. “Dad, I need to talk to you.”

  He finished locking the gun and set his shield beside the gun safe. “About?”

  “The bullying case.”

  He smiled and headed to the kitchen. “You don’t have to give me sources or anything, Sam. I talked with Nikki and her parents this evening.”

  “Good, but that’s not what I want to tell you.”

  Dad leaned and kissed Mom’s neck. “I don’t know which smells better, the plate you made for me or your perfume.”

  Oh, gross. “Dad!”

  Mom laughed. “You’d better give her your attention, or she’s going to burst.” She handed Dad a large glass of iced tea.

  “Okay, then. At least let me sit down.” He pulled out the kitchen chair opposite where Sam stood and sat at the table. “I’m all ears.”

  “Jefferson Cole.” The muscles in her body kept tensing of their own accord. Probably trying to keep up with her racing mind.

  “Nikki’s brother?”

  She nodded.

  “What about him?” Dad took a sip of tea.

  “It’s him.” She grinned wide and shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

  Dad set down his glass. “Jefferson’s the bully?”

  Sam nodded. “It all makes sense.”

  “Okay, I’ll play devil’s advocate for you. What’s his motive?”

  “To get his and Nikki’s parents back together.”

  Dad crossed his arms over his chest. “Sit down and explain.”

  “I can’t sit.” She gripped the back of the chair across the table from him. “When I interviewed Jefferson, he told me that even though his dad had moved out, as soon as Jefferson hurt his ankle, his dad was back all the time. Even Nikki said that her parents stopped fighting when they came together over their kids.”

  Sam straightened and paced toward the window. “He saw that if he could put him or Nikki in crisis, their parents would come together in a peaceful way, which made him think maybe they would stop divorce proceedings. Nikki said they hadn’t talked about seeing the lawyer in weeks.”

  Dad nodded slowly. “Okay, give me your rundown of how all the clues tie to Jefferson being the bully.”

  “Okay.” She let out a long breath. “How did he get the diet bars in her locker? She told me more than once that only she and Aubrey know the combination, but when I was at her house, she told me she couldn’t remember passwords or anything, so she wrote everything down in her paper notebook. That’s how he knew her combination, and how he knew her login and password to the EAST computers.”

  Again, Dad nodded.

  Sam continued. “He knew he couldn’t send the email from their family computer, so he had to find another. One that wouldn’t trace back to him or one of his friends. He probably got the idea to use the EAST lab computers because of the article Nikki did several weeks ago about how it was fashionable to know all the cool programs available in EAST.”

  She pulled out the chair across the table from her father and sat. “He knew the back way into the school by the baseball diamond because he spent a lot of time this summer at the pool at Chalamont Park with a friend.” She smiled. “He also owns a green Schwinn bicycle.”

  “Nice.” Dad grinned as Mom set the plate she’d saved for him on the table in front of him. “What about the diet pills?”

  Sam laughed. “That’s easy, Dad. He used the family computer to order the pills. Since their mom is probably like you, she keeps her billing info stored, so when he ordered it, he just clicked to confirm it, and the order was concluded.”

  “You’ve done well, Sam. I’m impressed. Seems you’ve got all the loose ends covered.”

  “No, there’s still one out there. The text sent to her phone. I haven’t figured that one out yet.”

  Dad grinned. “I can help you with that. It was a gophone, untraceable, and belongs to his best friend.”

  “Ahh. At least I didn’t miss — ” Sam stared at her father. “You already knew all this?”

  He nodded. “Jefferson confessed when Buster and I went to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Cole this evening.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Dad chuckled. “You didn’t exactly give me a chance, Sam.” He took a bite of his dinner, then swallowed. “But you nailed everything perfectly. You should be very proud of yourself. That was some great detective work.” He took a sip of tea and grinned. “Are you sure you don’t want to be a cop instead of a measly, nosy reporter?”

  “Hey!” Mom threw the kitchen towel across the room and hit Dad in the head.

  He laughed and tossed it back to her. “Just kidding.”

  Mom came and joined them at the table. “I think you both solved the case beautifully.”

  “Dad, what’s going to happen to Jefferson now?”

  “Well, we’re not going to charge him with bullying, since it was his sister, and he’s got more issues to face, but he will have to face the consequences of stealing the computers from school.”

  Stealing was wrong, Sam knew that, but she couldn’t help feeling sorry for Jefferson. He’d gone to some serious lengths to get his parents to stay a couple. Being punished hardly seemed fair to a kid who was just fighting to keep his family together.

  “Hey, I know what you’re thinking, but he broke the law. He stole property that belonged to the school. Remember how upset you were when you heard they’d been stolen? You take EAST so you know how important they are.”

  “I know.” And she did. She just hated that Jefferson had been so desperate to keep his parents together that he’d hurt his sister, broken into the school, and stolen computers.

  “Buster and I said in our reports that since the computers were recovered, we would recommend counseling and probation.”

  Sam smiled. Man, her dad rocked! “So that’s what he’ll get?”

  Dad shrugged. “It’s not up to us, but the juvenile court usually puts a lot of weight on our reports.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Now, what the school does is a totally different matter.”

  “What do you mean?” Sam asked.

  “He broke a slew of rules by breaking in and stealing the computers that all have grounds for expulsion.”

  Oh, no! “Surely Mrs. Trees isn’t going to expel him.”

  “I don’t know. I know he’ll definitely be suspended, at the least. She has to punish him, Sam.”

  “It’s just so . . . sad.”

  “It is,” Mom said, “but even though he thought he had a good reason for what he did, he still broke school rules and the law. He’s confessed, which is a good start, but has to pay the price for what he did.”

  Speaking of confessing to breaking school rules . . . Sam took a deep breath. “Mom and Dad, I have something I need to tell you.”

  “What? You can tell us anything.”

  Yeah, he said that now. “Well, I kinda broke a big school rule, too.” She went on to explain how she’d looked at the EAST roster on Mrs. Trees’ computer. “I didn’t steal anything and didn’t hack into a file or anything, but I know what I did was wrong.”

  “It was.” Dad swallowed, then finished off his tea. “I think tomorrow morning, you should report to Mrs. Trees’ office and tell her.”

  “What if she kicks me off the paper? Or the cheer squad?” Sam’s stomach looped into knots. “What if she suspends or expels me?”

  “We’ll deal with whatever your punishment is, my sweet girl.”

  Dad pushed back his chair. “You can start by doing the dishes, then heading on to bed.” He stood. “I can’t say I’m not a little disappointed in what you did, Sam, but I’m proud of you for telling us when you didn’t have to. Goodnight.”

  Sam finished loading the dishwasher, then turned it on. She took Chewy out for a final walk before bed. The stars shone brightly in the clear sky. Sam sat on the back porch steps and stared up at them.

  God, I know we’re supposed to pray for Your will, but if You could,
it’d be really awesome if you didn’t let Jefferson get too much punishment. I might’ve done the same thing for my parents. It’d be nice if you helped Mr. and Mrs. Cole repair their marriage so their family could stay together.

  Chewy chased a June bug buzzing around the light by the kitchen door.

  Speaking of families staying together . . . I’m okay if Mom decides to take the National Geographic gig. I’m choosing to believe you’ll keep her safe, and you’ll watch out for me and Dad while she’s gone.

  Chewy ran up to Sam, rubbed against her leg and whined. Sam laughed and stood, giving the dog a quick rub between the ears.

  Kinda like Chewy here is afraid of the dark, but okay if I’m out here with her — I’m scared of Mom going, but I’m okay because I know you’re here with me.

  “A whole week of cleaning up Mrs. Trees’ office? That isn’t too rough,” Makayla told Sam.

  Sam shook her head. “Not at all. It won’t be part of my record, and I’m not penalized in cheer or anything. She said it took a lot of guts to come tell her what I did, and she appreciated that.” Sam grinned. “Of course, I told her it was my dad’s idea, but she said I didn’t have to tell her that, which still shows good character.”

  Makayla laughed. “I’m just glad you’re not in serious trouble.”

  “Me, too. I have enough trouble about to hit me.” Sam shut her locker and waited on Makayla.

  “You haven’t seen Aubrey at all today?”

  “Nope. Not looking forward to seeing her now.”

  “Well, you don’t want to be tardy and get sent to the office. Mrs. Trees might not be so generous with your consequences next time.” Makayla shut her locker and gave Sam a quick hug. “Good luck. Now get going.”

  Sam drug her feet as she headed into last period. She’d managed to stay in a pretty good mood all day, but now . . . just knowing she would see Aubrey made her almost sick to her stomach. She let out a sigh and headed into class just as the tardy bell rang.

  “Well, how nice of you to join us,” Aubrey said as soon as she cleared the threshold.

  It was going to be a very long class today.

  Nikki came up and gave Sam a big hug. “Your dad is pretty awesome. He went out of his way to not only write a recommendation that Jefferson not get thrown in juvie, but he gave my parents the name of a good, Christian marriage counselor.”

  Dad had left out that little nugget of information. Yeah, her dad was pretty cool. “I’m glad. I hope it all works out.”

  “Me, too.” Nikki turned to stare at Aubrey, then back at Sam. “Look, I know you two don’t really like each other — ”

  That was putting it mildly.

  “ — but you both are really good people. The whole newspaper staff has gotten together, and we’d like to ask you both to put the past behind us and move forward. Together. Without you two being at odds.”

  Sam noticed everyone staring at them, waiting. She licked her lips. “Aubrey, I’m sorry for being so rude to you. Nikki was upset, and I should have concentrated on her, not you.”

  The room held a collective breath as Aubrey stood still. And silent.

  Kevin Haynes joined them, standing beside Sam. “We really don’t want there to be any more awkwardness. Thanks, Sam, for apologizing.”

  Aubrey blushed. “Oh, I’m sorry, too. Let’s just move on.”

  Everyone burst into applause. Sam had to refrain from asking if everyone believed that apology was sincere.

  Nikki grinned and followed Aubrey to the editor’s desk.

  “Well played, do-gooder.”

  Sam turned around to face Felicia Adams. She smiled. “What are you doing here, troublemaker?”

  Felicia returned the grin. “It seems my mother had a change of heart and agreed to let me at least participate in the school paper.” She shrugged. “It’s a start.”

  “How’d you get Mrs. Trees to agree to it?”

  Felicia laughed. “After a very long meeting with her and my mom, I promised to have a 4.0 by the end of the first semester and to not get another referral. If I do, I’m outta here.”

  “Nice. Well, welcome to the Senator Speak. I guess you met Aubrey, our editor.”

  “Oh, yeah. Real piece of work there.”

  Sam chuckled. “Hey, I’m trying to be nice here.”

  “Good luck with that.” Felicia laughed.

  Sam realized she really enjoyed being around Felicia. It was nice to have her as a friend.

  “Attention students,” Mrs. Trees’ voice came over the intercom. “We’re pleased to announce your Robinson Middle School Homecoming Queen is . . .”

  Sam sensed a hush fall over the entire school.

  “Remy Tucker. Congratulations, Queen Remy.”

  The noise level rose. Lana shrugged as Celeste told her she was sorry she didn’t make it.

  Sam noticed Aubrey gave Nikki a hug, and she couldn’t help but wonder if that was for Nikki’s sake or Aubrey’s.

  Sam raised her eyebrows and tilted her head.

  “Stop thinking them thoughts, do-gooder, or you might end up eating that apology.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Sam, my sweet girl, can you please come in here and sit down?” Mom hollered from the living room.

  This was it. Mom had finally made her decision.

  “Coming.” Sam let out a slow breath. I’m trusting you, Lord. I’ll be okay with whatever she’s decided, just like I said. And she meant that.

  Change couldn’t be stopped, but Sam was pretty sure God didn’t want humans to just stay the same. He wanted everyone to grow and learn and grow some more. You couldn’t grow if you weren’t willing to change.

  She sat on the big, comfy chair catty-corner to the couch where Mom and Dad sat together. A unified front. “Look, Mom, before you say anything, can I say something first?”

  “Sure.”

  “I don’t know what you’ve decided, but I want you to know, whether you go or not, it’s up to you. Whatever your decision, I’m okay with it. Really.”

  Mom glanced at Dad, then smiled at her. “You’re sure? No matter if I’m gone for the full six months, you’re okay with that?”

  “I’ll miss you, but yeah. I’m fine with it.” Sam checked her feelings and realized she really and truly was okay.

  “Well, you won’t have to figure it out because I turned it down.”

  “What? I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that wouldn’t come around again.” She could only hope Mom didn’t turn it down because of how she thought Sam would react if she accepted.

  “I thought so, but I had my own reservations about going. I talked with Pastor Patterson. I prayed. Your dad and I prayed together. And finally, I realized it wasn’t as important to me as my family. You and your dad are the most important people in the whole world to me, and I’d rather be with you two than anywhere else in the world. The idea of it was nice, and I’m honored they offered it to me, but it was truly my choice to turn them down.”

  Sam flew around the coffee table and hugged Mom, then pulled Dad in. She truly had some awesome parents.

  . . . The entire Senator Speak editorial staff is proud of our own Samantha Sanderson for keeping her word and protecting her reporting sources despite the possibility of dire personal consequences. Congratulations, Sam, on a job well done. Sound off, Senators. Leave a comment with your thoughts. ~ Aubrey Damas, Editor in Chief, reporting

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  My most heartfelt thanks to my editor, Kim Childress, who holds my hand and cheers me on! Working with you is a pure joy, and I feel blessed to have you in my corner as we share Sam and her friends with the world.

  There are so many people involved with the making of a book. I am so thankful to the whole team at Zonderkidz for helping the Samantha Sanderson series come to life. Every person has been such a delight to work with.

  Special thanks to Robinson Middle School who let me share how special they are with the rest of the world. I played around with pos
sibilities and lay of the land as I saw fit. Any mistakes in the representation of details are mine, where I twisted in the best interest of my story.

  HUGE thanks to my awesome agent, Steve Laube (HP), for everything you do for me, from giving me career advice to talking me off the proverbial ledge. You are awesome!

  My extended family members are my biggest fans and greatest cheerleaders. Thank you for ALWAYS being in my corner: Mom, BB and Robert, Bek and Krys, Bubba and Lisa, Brandon, Rachel, and Aunt Millicent. Especially my Papa, whom I love and miss every day.

  I couldn’t do what I do without my girls — Emily Carol, Remington Case, and Isabella Co-Ceaux. I love each of you so much! Your support and encouragement mean everything to me. And to my precious grandsons, Benton and Zayden. You are joys in my life.

  I can’t imagine doing what I do without my true partner in life, Case. You make me smile when I’m ready to scream and laugh when I really want to cry. Thank you for always believing in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. I love you. Always.

  Finally, all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Bullying is a very serious issue. Discuss how bullying makes people feel. Do you know what your school’s policy is against bullying? Find out.

  2. Jefferson went to serious lengths in hopes to keep his parents together. Do you think he should have been punished for bullying his sister? Why or why not?

  3. Sam’s parents prayed together when an important family decision needed to be made. What does the Bible tell us about praying together? (See Matthew 18:20 for discussion.)

  4. Nikki and Jefferson were upset about their parents getting divorced. How do you feel about the issue?

  5. Homecoming is a fun time for most schools. How does your school enjoy homecoming?

  6. Aubrey was clearly jealous of Nikki, her own best friend, for being nominated to homecoming court. Have you ever felt jealous of one of your friends? How did you deal with the situation? Discuss ways you can work through your emotions rather than avoiding your friend like Aubrey did.