Samantha Sanderson Without a Trace

by Robin Caroll

  Sam wouldn’t have made it, not that many days. She was sure she’d still be curled up in a little ball, probably crying for her mom.

  “After a couple of days, I knew no one was going to open that room unless they had reason to. That’s when I figured I had to do something.” Tam’s voice shook a little. “I decided that I would find the electrical wires and cross them until a fire started. I knew the house had an alarm system, because Jared had to turn it off for me to stay there, and I’d seen the panel. There was a fire monitoring and a carbon monoxide monitoring service.”

  “You tried to set my house on fire?” Jared asked, his eyes wide.

  “I didn’t want to, but man, I was stuck. I’d been in there two nights and three days with no way out in sight. I didn’t know about the phone, so I didn’t know I had a choice.”

  “But if you set an electrical fire, wouldn’t that have been in the room where you were?” Sam blurted out. When everyone turned to stare at her, she covered her mouth with her hand.

  Tam answered anyway. “It was a calculated risk. I’d found the fire extinguisher, so I knew if it became too dangerous I could put it out. I was hoping that the fire would cause smoke to go through the house’s ventilation system or something and register enough for the alarm company to get the code of a fire and send someone.”

  “Most likely, that would have worked,” Deputy Malone said. “I have the same alarm system, and even electrical fires send the alarm straight to the fire department.”

  “But I didn’t need to do that,” Tam said. “When I traced the wiring, I found a box with exchanges. In there, I found a phone line that was hooked up. All I had to do was splice into it, find something I could use to dial, and something to use as a mouthpiece.”

  Sam stared at Tam, amazed at her friend. No way would she have been able to do all that. Maybe she wasn’t as smart and independent as she thought.

  “It took me some time, but I found an old coax splitter and was able to—” Tam glanced around the room. “I was able to make a call. The first time, I was so excited the call actually went through that I didn’t have the interface secured. I was barely able to get my name out before the wires crossed and I lost the call.”

  Sam caught her mother’s eye and smiled. At least she didn’t have to go down the dark and scary path.

  “I took my time and spliced it up better, but it took me some time because I didn’t have any electrical tape. If anything touched the exposed wires, the call would be dropped. I used a bandage and the first aid tape from the first aid kit to secure it as best I could.” Tam gave a little smile. “I guess it was good enough because I was finally able to get the call out. The next thing I knew, the door opened and I was free.”

  “I still can’t believe it all. It’s crazy,” Makayla said.

  Sam adjusted her Bluetooth headset and laid back on her bed, petting Chewy who lay beside her, much to BabyKitty’s great disappointment. “I know. Tam’s dad was furious, even though his mother said she was proud of her son’s bravery and ingenuity.”

  “What about Jared?”

  Sam grinned even though her best friend couldn’t see it over the phone. “I imagine things are quite strained at the Hopkins household, but Jared might be saved. It was pretty clear Mr. Hopkins had the room and neither Jared nor his mother knew anything about it. They moved in a couple of years ago. From what I heard—”

  “You mean eavesdropped?”

  “Whatever. Mr. Hopkins said he’d practically forgotten about the room. I don’t know about that, because the room was part of the alarm system and was fully stocked, but I think their being at odds helps Jared stay out of the hot seat.”

  “I can’t imagine having a room like that in my house and not telling my husband,” Makayla said.

  “Oh, when did you go get married and not tell me?”

  “Stop.” Makayla laughed. “Seriously, do you think your dad would have a secret room that your mom didn’t know about?”

  “Nope, but just to be safe, I asked them both if we have a panic room in our house. They assured me we don’t, which is kind of a bummer because it’s really cool.”

  “Have you written up your last article yet?” Makayla asked.

  “No. I just don’t know what to write yet.” She sat up on the bed. “And guess what?”

  “What?”

  “Dad told me they caught tutorcool. One of the kids he tried to kidnap picked him out of a lineup. Dad said he should plead guilty and will be going to jail for a long time.” That made Sam feel much safer somehow.

  “That’s great news.”

  “Yeah. And because of Mr. Kelly’s report, two area senators are talking with Tam about his project goal to get mandatory safety education programs in the public schools.”

  “That’s pretty awesome,” Mac said.

  “Yeah, so something else I’ll add to my article.”

  “Okay, my turn. Guess what?” asked Makayla.

  “What?” Sam rolled onto her side and propped her head on her hand.

  “I talked to my mom about the whole lawyer thing.”

  “How’d that go?”

  “She said that it’s okay if I don’t know what I want to be right now.”

  “See,” Sam said. “I told you.”

  “She said she would rather I wait and see what God’s plan is for me rather than just jumping ahead with my own ideas.”

  “Cool. So hey, I’m gonna go and get my article written so I can get Mom to help me start laying out stuff to pack,” Sam said.

  “I’m still so jelly. Are you still coming to my karate tournament tomorrow?”

  “Of course. Mom’s bringing her camera too.”

  “Oh, man. Okay, later.”

  Sam tossed the headset onto the desk and moved to sit in front of her computer. She opened the program to write the post. Her fingers sat still on the keyboard for a handful of minutes, until she thought through everything she’d learned again. Most importantly, to do what is necessary to learn how to keep safe. Yes, God was always in control, but learning how to be safe was just smart.

  —While the staff of the Senator Speak is very happy to have our own Tam Lee back safe and accounted for, it is this reporter’s opinion that we should all make the effort to take care. Take care to be aware of our surroundings. Take care to abide by rules set by our parents. (Yes, even the ones we think are lame.) Take care to tell the people who matter to us that they do. And to take care to put people first . . . not just a project or a promotion or a story. Because in the end, it’s the connections you have in your brief time on earth that matter. Sound Off, Senators, and take care. ~Sam Sanderson, reporting

  EPILOGUE

  Welcome back to Galveston, Texas,” Sam’s dad said, the hint of sunburn from a few days ago already turned to a nice tan.

  “Oh, I don’t want to get off the ship,” Sam’s mother replied. “Can we just pretend we’re back in the Caribbean? Please.”

  “I want to be back in Dolphin Cove, swimming with Darwin.” Sam would never, ever forget how amazing it was to swim with the rescued dolphin. She couldn’t wait to show Makayla all the pictures she’d taken of the cruise.

  Grand Cayman and Cozumel . . . it’d been wonderful. Sam decided she loved cruising. The ship itself was amazing, with the coolest restaurants, twenty-four hour pizza and ice cream, and two giant waterslides. They’d been on the second deck in a balcony room, where she could sit outside every night and listen to the waves. Some nights, she could even feel the spray of the water on her face when she stood at the rail.

  Speaking of Makayla . . .

  “Are we docked yet?”

  “Yep. As of about fifteen or twenty minutes ago,” Dad answered.

  “So we aren’t in international waters anymore? I can use my cell?” She’d been quite upset when she learned she wouldn’t be able to use her phone because of the outrageous charges. Mom had locked all their phones in the in-cabin safe until that morning.

  Her mothe
r sighed and laid her head back in the chair. “We’re officially back home. The child is ready to be on her phone.”

  Dad laughed, leaned over, and kissed Mom. Right on the mouth. Eww. “I bet I know someone else whose fingers are itching to check her email and see what assignments she has lined up,” he teased.

  “So, can I?” Sam pushed.

  “Yes. Go ahead,” Dad said.

  She quickly turned her phone off airplane mode. The phone acted like it was possessed. It vibrated and dinged for a good three minutes solid. Sam began scrolling through her messages. Her breath caught as she read the last one from her best friend.

  Sam, call as soon as you get this message. Felicia called, and Aubrey Damas has quit the paper. Felicia says she’s pretty sure Ms. Pape is going to give the editor’s job to you. CALL ME.

  Sam sat in stunned silence.

  A minute passed.

  Two.

  Three.

  A slow smile made its way across her face.

  So this is what it felt like to have a dream come true.

  FINALLY!

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Sam uses her talents as a writer and reporter and her natural God-given ability to evaluate situations to help people whenever she can. Describe how she helped in this situation? Are there times when trying to be helpful can also be a hindrance? Explain how that could happen.

  2. The disappearance of a child is a very serious situation and never to be taken lightly. Do you think the law enforcement officers tried to dissuade Sam because they didn’t think she could possibly be of help? Why were they hesitant to take her seriously in their investigation?

  3. Deputies Malone and Jameson had differing attitudes about the value of Sam’s theories and thoughts about Tam’s disappearance. Why was that?

  4. Sam’s father has an incredible sense of right and wrong and fairness in how he deals with everyone, from Sam to the Lees to the deputies in charge of the case. How do people develop a strong fortitude? Where does that come from?

  5. Computers and other electronic devices are amazing machines that serve us well in many cases. But there are times that they can introduce dangers into our lives. How were electronics a good and a bad thing in Without a Trace?

  6. Tam took a risk to prove a point. Have you ever done something you probably shouldn’t have, just to make a point? What happened? Discuss ways you can get your point across in a safe manner.

  7. Sam’s friend Makayla hesitates to break the rules, even as Sam tries to convince her that it is in Tam’s best interest? Have you ever had your beliefs, your convictions, questioned? Did you stick up for yourself and stay true to what you believe? Or did you allow yourself to be persuaded to do something other than your original plan?

  8. Sam just knew that Tam wouldn’t have run off without good reason because of his reputation … his past behavior backed up her strong conviction. What do you think people see as your reputation? What would you like to be your reputation? Discuss ways you can act to support that reputation.

  9. Have you ever felt so sure about something that you were willing to risk trouble with parents, teachers, and other adults to prove your point or theory? What happened? How can young people ensure that their ideas and thoughts are taken seriously by others?

  10. Mr. and Mrs. Lee were very worried about their son. What does the Bible tell us about worrying? Discuss Matthew 6:27.

  11. Sam knows that prayer is a powerful tool at all times. When does she use prayer in this situation? How does it bring comfort and peace to a difficult time?

  12. Tam wanted to stress how important it was to realize God was always in control, but also wanted kids to learn how to be safe. What are things you can do to keep yourself safe at school? On the internet?

  13. Do a little research. What exactly is an Amber Alert? How are they effective?

  14. The panic room was pretty cool. Discuss some reasons to go into a panic room. Would you be scared if you’d gotten locked inside like Tam? Discuss what you would have done.

  15. There are unfortunately many cases of children having trouble in our world today—from disappearances to getting hurt or injured or suffering in natural disasters. What are some Bible verses that could be used to help bring comfort to families experiencing troubles with their children?

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I owe a huge amount of gratitude to the whole team at Zonderkidz for helping the Samantha Sanderson series see the light of day. I truly appreciate each of you for extending your talent and skill on my behalf, especially Mary Hassinger. You’ve been such an awesome editor to work with.

  My most humble gratitude to amazing author, Ronie Kendig, who helped me work out this plot when my back was against the wall. You rock!

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

  My most sincere thanks to my awesome agent, Steve Laube (HP), who not only is an amazing agent, but makes me laugh when I get too serious. THANK YOU.

  Thank you for ALWAYS being in my corner: Mom, Bubba and Lisa, Brandon, Rachel, and especially my Papa, who 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! Thank y’all so much for your support and encouragement when I needed to write. And my precious grandsons, Benton and Zayden. You are joys in my life.

  I’m blessed to have such an amazing husband who puts up with my craziness, but also is a great brainstorm partner and research assistant. You amaze me with your insight and your love and support. I love you with everything I have.

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