Samantha Sanderson Without a Trace

by Robin Caroll

  While they worked in the kitchen, Sam told her mother about Makayla’s call.

  Her mother smiled. “I’m truly so, so proud of you, Sam. Getting people thinking and talking, that’s what reporting is all about.”

  “But some of their comments aren’t really in support of the right stuff, Mom.”

  Her mom laughed. “Silly girl, that’s what discussions are all about—people presenting their own opinions about topics. No two people are the same, so opinions vary. That leads to good conversations, which causes people to think. That’s the best goal of any reporter I know.”

  Sam nodded as the microwave beeped.

  “Oh, the awards and accolades are nice, don’t get me wrong, but it’s pretty awesome when someone tells you that something you’ve written made them see things in a different light.” Mom pulled the popcorn bag from the microwave and replaced it with a cup of butter. She turned it on and dumped the popcorn into the big ceramic bowl they’d decorated together at a local paint your own shop. “That’s truly rewarding.”

  The microwave beeped again and Mom poured the melted butter over the popcorn and reached for the salt shaker.

  “I guess I never really thought about it like that.” Sam grabbed two new water bottles from the fridge.

  “Getting a scoop is awesome, and responsible reporting is vital because your reputation is what’s on the line, but when you can get people to think and talk and truly consider looking at something from a new angle . . . that, my girl, is the mark of a star reporter.” She leaned over and hugged Sam. “Like I said, I’m just so proud.”

  Sam laughed and grabbed a handful of popcorn. She dropped a piece, and Chewy was there to snatch it up before the five second rule could be debated.

  “That dog acts like she hasn’t eaten in days,” Mom said.

  “I know. I think she has to make up for not eating a lot when it’s storming. She hardly ate a thing Wednesday night.”

  “Well, with the tornado sirens going off, I’m sure it hurts her ears.” Mom tossed the dog a piece of popcorn.

  “Mom!”

  Sam’s mother laughed. “Poor BabyKitty. She wouldn’t even come out from under the couch the whole time the sirens wailed.”

  “It was a bit scary. I was a little upset to be at school and not home with you.”

  “I wasn’t too happy when we lost power and Internet. Thank goodness I’d saved my piece before the power blipped, and then I didn’t think the Internet would ever come back on.”

  “Speaking of the storm, we’re supposed to have some rain tonight. Why don’t you take Chewy out and toss the ball or Frisbee around for a few minutes? Just keep your phone in your pocket in case Dad calls.”

  Sam grabbed another handful of popcorn and snatched up her water bottle. “You just want to keep me out of your popcorn.”

  Her mother’s laughter followed her into the backyard. Chewy ran around, barking at the leaves on the trees and the squirrels running high above her head.

  Sam spied the darkening clouds. As she had on Wednesday, she wondered where Tam was, and could only pray he was protected from the weather.

  At least they were closer to finding him now than they’d been on Wednesday.

  She hoped.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  I fell into a burning ring—

  Sam dug her phone out of her pocket. That was Dad’s special ringtone, since he was such a Johnny Cash freak. “Dad?” She slipped back into the house.

  Her mom met her at the door.

  “Hi, pumpkin. Listen, it’s the strangest thing, but Tam’s parents just called the sheriff’s office and reported Tam had called them.”

  Sam’s throat almost closed. “What? He called them? How? Where is he? Where’s he been? What—”

  “I don’t know all of that. The call was apparently a very bad connection and they got disconnected before he could tell them where he was. We’ve called the news stations to get the word out that anybody who hears from Tam should please call the sheriff’s office immediately. I’m asking you to post the same on your school’s blog.” There was a pause and rustling sound before Dad continued. “I understand there’s a lot of activity on the blog. Maybe your post will help get the word out.”

  “I’ll do it right now, Dad.”

  “Thanks, Sam. I’ll call you if I hear anything.” The connection broke.

  Sam told her mom what Dad had said as she walked to her bedroom to her MacBook. She quickly typed up a blog post and sent it up. She held her bottom lip between her teeth. “I hope it’ll be enough. I hope he can call someone else.”

  Her mom sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed Sam’s hand. “Let’s pray.” She waited until Sam had bowed her head and closed her eyes, then her words filled the air. “Lord, we ask that You watch over Your son, Tam, just as You’ve been watching over him since before he was even born. We ask that You bring comfort to his parents, who got to speak to him. We ask that You guide this situation to Your will. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.”

  Sam felt calmer . . . better. She usually did after she prayed. She leaned over and hugged her mother. “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Anytime, sweetheart.”

  “So, what now? We just sit and wait?” Sam stood and started pacing. She thought better when she paced.

  “That’s about all we can do right now.” Her mother stood. “Unless you want to watch a movie on Netflix or something?”

  “I don’t think I could sit still and pay attention.”

  “Why don’t you call Makayla? Maybe that will distract you.” Mom stood at Sam’s bedroom door.

  “Yeah. Thanks.” Sam reached for her cell as her mother walked down the hall.

  “Hey, I saw your post. What’s going on?” Makayla said as a way of greeting.

  Sam quickly told her about her father’s call. “And that’s all I know right now.”

  “Mr. Kelly just broke into the regular FOX newscast with the same information. I’m happy he called because that means he’s okay, but I’m really worried that he hasn’t called back yet.”

  “I know.” That’s exactly what was bothering Sam. “I just don’t understand how he could call and get disconnected, but not call back. Unless . . .”

  “Unless what?” Makayla asked.

  Sam decided to go ahead and put a voice to her fears. This was, after all, Makayla, her best friend whom she could share her fears with. “Unless he got away from somebody long enough to make a call, but then the person who took him disconnected the call and hurt Tam or something so he couldn’t call back.” She realized her heart was thudding, even though she was lying on her back, staring up at her ceiling.

  “You have got to stop watching whatever it is you watch on television or movies, girl. You are way too dark and scary. Why does your mind automatically go to the super dramatic? Come on, now. You yourself said Tam planned most of his disappearance. Now you’re thinking you were wrong and he was kidnapped?”

  It did sound a little melodramatic when Makayla said it out loud like that. Okay, a lot over the top.

  “I meant after he left Jared’s. Seriously. I mean, where is he now? We can only assume he left Jared’s Wednesday before school got out, so why hasn’t he called someone before now?”

  “Maybe he just got access to a phone. Maybe the battery is dead and that’s why he can’t call back. Maybe it was dead all this time and he just got enough of a charge to call. I don’t know, but I don’t automatically think this means he’s been kidnapped or abducted or something.”

  “You’re right.” As usual, Makayla was the voice of reason. “I’m just trying to figure it all out.”

  Makayla laughed. “And because you can’t, it’s driving you crazy, isn’t it?”

  “Are you saying I’m a control freak?” But Sam couldn’t stop herself from letting out a giggle.

  “Hey, if the shoe fits, lace it up and show it off.”

  “Tell me you did not just use your mother’s line on me.” Sam gave a
little laugh.

  “Guilty as charged.” Makayla snorted.

  “You’re just getting ridiculous now.” Yet, it felt really good to laugh. Sam felt like all afternoon she’d had a big, heavy boulder sitting in the middle of her chest. Makayla’s teasing was like a jackhammer to that rock.

  “Ohmygummybears!” Makayla’s tone sobered Sam immediately.

  “What?”

  “FOX news just broke through with a live report. It’s a reporter, going to Tam’s house,” Makayla said.

  Sam flipped on the television on top of her dresser, quickly selecting the local FOX channel. “I’ll call you later.”

  She tossed her cell phone onto her bed and stared at the events unfolding on the television.

  The reporter walked across the walkway to the front door, microphone in hand, cameraman shaking a little to keep up. “We’re here at the home of missing child, Tam Lee. FOX has learned from sources close to the case that the missing child called home mere moments ago.”

  Talk about sensationalizing. This guy made drama queens look humble. Sam sank to the bed and absent-mindedly stroked BabyKitty as she watched, unable to look away.

  The reporter rang the doorbell and Mrs. Lee filled the screen.

  “Mrs. Lee, I’m Trevor Webster with FOX news. We’ve been told your son called you? What did he say?” The reporter held the microphone out to Tam’s mother.

  Sam didn’t know what exactly she’d expected, but it wasn’t to see Tam’s mother standing in her doorway looking so calm and cool, dressed in a cool white pantsuit. Not a hair was out of place and her makeup was flawless.

  “My son managed to call me about thirty minutes ago. The connection was very distorted and I could barely hear him. The call ended abruptly before I could find out where he was, but I heard his voice and know that he is alive and okay.” Her voice was clear and strong.

  Well, if she was Mrs. Lee, Sam guessed she’d be relieved to hear her son’s voice and know he was alive, but man, she’d be wanting to know where he was.

  “Did he say where he was calling from? Did you check the caller ID?” the reporter asked.

  Sam nodded. Good questions, Mr. Eager Beaver.

  “Unknown caller was what was on the caller ID. I’m sure my son was trying to tell me exactly where he was, but the connection was just so awful.”

  Sam’s mother barged into her room. “Good. You are watching this.” She shook her head as she sat beside Sam on the bed.

  “I want to thank everyone for their good thoughts and prayers for my family during this trying time. Your kindness is very much appreciated,” Mrs. Lee said, smiling into the camera.

  “What is she doing?” Sam asked.

  Sam’s mother laughed, but it wasn’t the ha-ha laugh. “Some people live for their fifteen minutes of fame, even if it’s in the face of tragedy.”

  “We’re very hopeful we’ll hear from him again very soon. Thank you.” Mrs. Lee shut the door and the reporter turned to the camera.

  “This is Trevor Webster, live from Little Rock. Back to you in the studio.”

  Sam muted the television and faced her mother. “But since Tam called, it isn’t a tragedy, right?” She couldn’t help but think of her original thought, in spite of Makayla teasing her about being dark and scary.

  “It’s good that he was okay when he called, but that he hasn’t called back . . . well, law enforcement isn’t sure what to make of it.”

  “Have you talked to Dad?”

  Sam’s mother nodded. “The sheriff’s office sent a unit to the Lee residence to monitor any incoming calls. They got there before the news crew arrived.”

  “But?”

  Her mom shrugged. “The longer it goes from the time Tam called—makes them believe the phone Tam used is broken.”

  “Mom, Tam is pretty good at piecing things together. Computers, tablets, phones . . . maybe it is a broken phone and he’s had to fix it by piecing it together. That would explain the bad connection and abrupt end. If he’s still trying to get it to work again . . .”

  “That’s why they sent the unit from Jared’s house to Tam’s. To be there just in case he calls again.”

  “Did Dad say how it was going at Jared’s?” Sam hated that she’d had to give him up, but this was more important than just getting in trouble with your parents.

  “He said they looked over Jared’s room and the kitchen, the two areas they figured Tam was in the most. They didn’t find a single clue of where he could be. They’ve interviewed his parents, but since they were at work all day and didn’t know he was there, they aren’t much help. That’s why they went over to Tam’s.”

  Another dead end. Sam wanted to scream. “Mom, is it okay if I call Jared? To see how it went with his parents?”

  Mom nodded.

  Sam dialed his number.

  He answered on the second ring. “Hi, Sam.”

  “How’d it go?”

  “Okay. I mean, my parents are upset, of course, but they aren’t as mad as I thought they’d be. They’re more concerned about Tam still being gone.”

  “Yeah, I understand.” A thought occurred to her. “Hey, would it be okay if I came over and did an interview with you? I mean, your parents could be there and all. I just want to keep new information up on the paper’s blog so people won’t hesitate to call in if they hear from Tam.”

  “Hang on, let me ask my mom.” A minute passed, then another before Jared came back on the line. “Yeah, my mom said it’s fine. Your dad is over here anyway.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you soon.” Sam shoved her phone in her back pocket and went to her mother. “Mom, can you drive me over to Jared’s house?” Quickly, she explained what she planned.

  “Sure. You’re driving yourself—and me—crazy here.”

  The drive to Chalamont Drive took less than ten minutes.

  Sam and her mother had just joined Jared and his parents, as well as Sam’s dad in the living room when Mrs. Hopkins touched her husband’s shoulder. “Hey, turn up the volume,” Mrs. Hopkins nodded to the television where Trevor Webster filled the screen again.

  “Inside the Lee home, a phone has just rung. With our camera, we were able to see officers from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office race into action. We have every reason to believe this call is from the missing child, Tam Lee.” The reporter’s voice trembled.

  The camera panned to the front windows. A uniformed officer stood with a landline phone pressed against his ear. Mrs. Lee hovered next to him, her head close to the officer’s.

  “It’s him,” Sam’s mother said, staring intently at the television.

  “How can you tell?” Mr. Hopkins asked.

  “Look at her face. She’s hearing her son’s voice. A mother knows these things.” Sam’s mother reached over and took Sam’s hand and squeezed.

  Sam’s dad’s cell phone rang. “Detective Sanderson.”

  Everyone stared at Sam’s dad. He covered the mouthpiece of the phone and said, “It’s the unit at the Lee house. They’re having a hard time hearing him. Mrs. Lee has confirmed it’s his voice, but they can’t understand him. The connection is filled with static.”

  The other officer moved into camera range, his back to the front of the Lee house. “The activity in the Lee house is clearly—”

  Mr. Hopkins pressed the mute button and silenced Trevor Webster.

  “Wait. They’ve made out something he said,” Sam’s father spoke into the phone. “Stuck in a room? What does that mean?”

  “Oh, mercy!” Mr. Hopkins leapt to his feet. “Let me check something.”

  Everyone sat still as Jared’s dad rushed to his study.

  “I’ve got him!” Mr. Hopkins hollered out after a minute or two.

  Sam, her parents, and Jared and his mom rushed into the study. Tam leaned against Mr. Hopkins’ desk.

  “We have him! We’ve got Tam,” Sam’s father said into his phone. “He’s okay.”

  Big tears burned Sam’s eyes as she leaned over
and hugged her mother.

  “Yes, of course we’ll stay with him until you get here.” Sam’s dad hung up the phone and looked at Tam. “Son, I’m sure you have a heck of a story to tell us, but your parents and the officers handling your case on their way, so maybe we should wait until they arrive for you to make a statement. Can we get you some water or anything?”

  Tam shook his head, still not speaking.

  “Charles, the media is at the Lee house. They know Tam called. They’re going to follow them here,” Sam’s mother said.

  Sam couldn’t help herself . . . she ran over and gave Tam a big bear hug. “I was so worried about you,” she whispered as she let him go, but took hold of his hand. She could see he was okay with her own eyes, but she needed to hold his hand to really accept her friend was safe. She didn’t care what her father was saying about the media following Mr. and Mrs. Lee. All that mattered was that Tam had been found and he was okay.

  Tam’s hand squeezed hers back.

  Thank You, God! Really, thanks for keeping Tam safe and letting him be found.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Tam looked no worse for wear from his ordeal, but an explanation . . . well, the police weren’t going to go away without an explanation. His mom and dad flanked him on both sides, his mother reaching over to hug him or hold his hand every few minutes.

  Oh, a very detailed explanation was due.

  Everyone was crowded into Jared’s living room, waiting for the questioning to begin. Sam glanced around at the people in the room, taking note of who was present.

  Tam and his parents, of course. They sat on one of the two couches in the living room. On the other couch sat Mr. Hopkins, then Jared and his mother. Deputies Jameson and Malone stood in front of the fireplace, with Sam’s father and another officer sitting on the loveseat. Sam and her mother sat together on an oversized chair. Bella’s dad, Mr. Kelly, stood in the corner.

  The sheriff had let Mr. Kelly be present during the interview, but he had to agree to get approval from the sheriff’s liaison officer before printing or running any story. Sam was just grateful she hadn’t been asked to leave. She had a sneaking suspicion her mother had something to do with her being allowed to sit in on this.