Samantha Sanderson Without a Trace by Robin Caroll Page B

asked.
    Sam shrugged. “Because his initials are J.T. like in the note.”
    â€œI see.” Deputy Jameson pinned her with a look that sent the hairs on the back of Sam’s neck to full attention. “And that’s why you didn’t respond when contacted to chat?”
    â€œThat was you?” Makayla blurted out.
    Deputy Jameson nodded. “We’ve had Tam’s accounts under constant monitoring. As soon as someone was in his account, we began tracking it.” He glared at Sam. “Imagine my surprise when the IP trace led me here, where a detective lives.”
    Dad shifted on the couch beside Sam. Oh, yeah. No question about it, she was in the doghouse for sure.
    â€œSo you can be assured that Tam isn’t hiding out here.” Dad’s voice was back to being calm and steady, but Sam could hear the hint of irritation in his voice.
    â€œI’m sure.” Deputy Jameson flipped his stare from Sam to Makayla, back to Sam, then Makayla again. “I would think the child of a detective would know that hacking into someone else’s account is illegal, as is interfering with a police investigation.”
    Sam could feel both her father and Makayla stiffening. “I’m really sorry,” Sam started. “I just felt like maybe I could help in some way.”
    â€œAs if we are incapable of doing our jobs, and a seventh grader could do it better?” Deputy Jameson asked.
    â€œYou hadn’t issued an AMBER Alert. You treated it more like Tam was a runaway, even though everyone told you he wasn’t.” Sam’s hands shook. She curled them into balls and set them in her lap.
    â€œThere are many ways an investigation is run, and I’m not inclined to discuss my methods with a kid.” No mistaking the irritation in his voice now.
    â€œShe understands that, Deputy, but you can clearly see how it looks to those outside law enforcement, not just children,” Sam’s mother said, using her interview voice.
    Sam wanted to air fist through the living room, butthought better of it. Dad was already annoyed with her and, truth be told, he had every right to be.
    â€œI think we’ve taken enough of your time,” Deputy Malone said.
    Sam’s parents stood.
    Deputy Malone held his hand out to Sam’s father. “Thank you for helping us clear up this matter.” He nodded at Sam’s mother.
    Deputy Jameson didn’t say anything, just turned and marched to the front door.
    Sam’s mom locked the front door behind them then faced the girls.
    â€œMom, Dad, I’m sorry. Really. I just thought maybe they hadn’t thought to look through Tam’s Facebook closely because they thought he was a runaway. Well, until the message board thing came up.”
    â€œMr. Sanderson, I’m the one who actually did the hacking,” Makayla said.
    â€œI figured, but we know who pushed you to do it.”
    â€œDad, I’m just worried about my friend and trying to help figure out what happened to him.”
    â€œSam.” Dad’s tone left no room for argument. “You know better. We’ll discuss your behavior and the consequences tomorrow. Right now, you girls get to bed. You have school in the morning.”
    â€œYes, sir,” they said in unison.
    â€œGoodnight, girls,” Sam’s mom called after them.
    Sam shut her bedroom door and tossed her robeonto the back of her desk chair. “I’m sorry, Mac.” Her dad was already mad at her, she certainly didn’t want her bestie upset with her too. She bent to pet Chewy, whose whole body was wiggling.
    â€œNo, it’s okay. I knew it was wrong but did it anyway.” Makayla shrugged. “I’m just glad to know the pop-up chat was the police.”
    â€œYeah. Me too.” Sam waited until Makayla had gotten situated before she turned off the light. “But I’m sorry for getting you involved. Dad’s going to give it to me