The Super Spies and the Pied Piper (36 page)

“What… Sarah what's going on?” Her father exhaled a heavy sigh and Sarah imagined the weight of the world had just lifted off of his shoulders.

“We decided to go ahead of the class.” Sarah winced as she waited for her father's reprimand.

“What? I don't understand?”

She sighed. “I decided not to wait for the field trip.”

“Sarah Marie, are you telling me you broke into Piper Drugs?”

Wincing at her father's sharp tone, Sarah took a deep breath before answering. “No, we didn't break in. We were kidnapped by Martin Savage and he took us there.”

“Are you there right now? Are you all right?” Her father whispered.

“Yes I'm all right and we're at the police station.”

“So you're safe?” Her father exhaled a heavy sigh.

“Yes. We're safe but we've got a problem.”

Her father took a sharp breath. “What's the problem?”

“Martin Savage is accusing us of stealing something from the company and we're accusing him of kidnapping us. The police don't know which one of us to believe.”

“Don't answer any questions until I get there. I'm coming with the Robinsons' lawyer.”

“Dad, they can't question us without a parent present. We're minors.”

“Really? How do you know that?”

Sarah bit her lip to keep from bursting into laughter. “Oh Dad, that's a long story. I'll tell you when this is all over.”

Her father sighed. “I can't wait to hear it. Sit tight and we'll be there soon.”

“Okay. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Sarah disconnected the call and put her phone back into her pocket.
Waiting. I hate waiting
. She slumped in her chair and groaned.

Officer Miller poked his head into the room. “Would you like a soda?”

Sarah gave him a grateful smile. “That would be awesome.” Her throat felt parched and scratchy an ice cold soda was just the ticket.

The police officer returned with her drink and she informed him her father would be there in about an hour.

“Good enough,” Officer Miller said before closing the door.

After taking a drink, Sarah laid her head on the table. Her brain whirled with the events of the day and she just wanted to take a breath.
This is almost over
. Her eyes grew heavy. She sat up and took another long gulp. Standing, she paced the room in an attempt to stay awake.

After pacing for a few minutes, Sarah sat back down. Yawning widely, she wrapped her jacket around her and laid her head on her crossed arms resting on the table. Her eyes closed.
I'll rest for just a second
.

Sarah woke and found drool oozing from the corner of her mouth. She raised her head and wiped it on her sleeve. Feeling disoriented, it took her a minute to remember where she was and why she was there. Brushing the hair out of her eyes, she stood and stretched.
How long was I out
? Spying the can of soda on the table, she reached for it and took a gulp.
Yuck, it's warm
. She grimaced and put the can back down on the table.

The door opened and Officer Miller walked in. “Oh, you're awake.”

“Yeah.” Sarah gave the officer a sheepish grin.

The police officer stepped aside and allowed her father into the room. Sarah ran to him and leapt into his arms. “Dad! I'm so glad you're here.” A sob caught in her throat and tears welled in her eyes.

“Hi, honey,” he said, stroking her hair. “Are you all right?”

She sniffed and nodded.

“Good.” He patted her head and bent down until his eyes were level with hers. “You did good, Sarah.”

“Thanks.”

They embraced and Sarah bit her lip to keep fresh tears from spilling down her cheeks.

“This is almost over,” her father said into her hair. “Are you up for answering the officer's questions?”

Sarah pulled away from her father and sniffed again. She wiped her nose on her sleeve and said, “Yes.”

“Good.” Her father squeezed her shoulder and then turned toward his companion. “Sarah I want you to meet Mr. Anthony. He's the Robinson's lawyer. He's going to sit in on the interrogation and hopefully help clear things up with the police.”

Sarah peeked around her father and said, “Hello.”

Mr. Anthony stepped forward. “Hello, Sarah.” He held out a meaty hand for her to shake.

She shook his hand and studied the man. He was short and somewhat pudgy with large brown eyes. His dark eyes reminded Sarah of melted chocolate and they surveyed the room, taking everything in. Dark curls framed his round face, giving her the impression of a cuddly teddy bear. Sarah wasn't sure he was the right lawyer for the job. He seemed too soft.

“Shall we sit down and get this over with?” Officer Miller asked.

“Yes,” her father answered and guided Sarah to a seat.

She sat next to her father and Mr. Anthony sat on the other side of him.

“I'd like to tape this,” Officer Miller said before he pulled a tape recorder out of a drawer in the table. He pushed the play button. “Okay Sarah, why don't you tell me your story. Start from the beginning.” He opened his notebook and had his pen poised above it.

Sarah took a deep breath and told her whole story. She didn't leave anything out. No one interrupted her. When she was done she took a deep breath and said, “That's how we ended up at the restaurant.”

“Where's the flash drive now?” Officer Miller asked.

“Right here.” Sarah fumbled in her pocket and pulled it out.

Like a flash of lightning Mr. Anthony's hand shot out and he grabbed the drive. “I'll take that.” He put it in his suit pocket and gave the officer a smile. “It's evidence in an ongoing lawsuit. Very important evidence.”

Officer Miller pursed his lips. “I see. But is it the property of Piper Drugs?”

Sarah's father cleared his throat. “No. It's my drive. It was in my office and Sarah got it for me at my request.”

“That's right,” Sarah said. Her voice quavered and she silently cursed her nervousness.

“And they didn't enter the property illegally.” Mr. Anthony pointed his index finger in the air to make his point. “They were kidnapped and trying to escape.”

“And you want to press charges?” Officer Miller gazed at Sarah's father.

“You bet I do,” Sarah's father said with an emphatic nod.

“Okay. I've got to type up a statement. Would you mind stepping over to my computer?” Officer Miller asked her father.

“No problem.” He stood and winked at Sarah. “We'll be back in a minute.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Mr. Anthony asked.

Her father nodded and then faced Officer Miller. “Then we can go home, right?”

The police officer sighed. “Yes, her story matched everyone else's so we know she's telling the truth.”

“Great.” Her father made eye contact with Sarah and winked at her.

“This will only take a few minutes,” Officer Miller said and motioned for her father to walk out of the room.

“I'll be right back, sweetheart.” Her father gave her another wink and then followed the officer out of the room. Mr. Anthony was right behind him.

Sarah sighed and let her body go limp. With weary hands she brushed the hair out of her eyes and glanced around the room. She couldn't believe it was over. Her parents would be able to come home.
Home
. The word was like a big neon sign flashing in her head. Where was that exactly? The thought of moving back to Walker twisted her stomach into a tight knot. She didn't want to leave Jackie, or Alex, or Harrisburg.

Sarah bit her lip. The elation she had felt moments ago ebbed away as she thought about what it meant to be out from under the threat of Piper Drugs. She stood and paced. Her thumb found its way to her mouth as she tried to come up with a solution to her current dilemma.

Maybe we don't have to move back to Walker
. The glimmer of an idea formed in her mind and took root there, like a small seedling growing until it was big and strong like a tree. Sarah cracked a wide grin and did a fist pump. “Yes.”

The door opened, and her father stepped into the room. Sarah didn't know how much time had passed but she knew by the look on his face they were finally free.

“Come on, Sarah. Let's go home.”

Sarah followed him out. She met the rest of her companions in the lobby along with Jackie's parents. She gave Jackie a quick hug. “It's really over.”

“You can say that again.”

“Good work, kid,” Scoop said, patting on the back.

“Yes, Sarah. You did a great job,” Dottie said before giving her a tearful hug.

“Thanks, everyone, but I couldn't have done it without all of you.” Sarah gave them a self-conscious smile.

“That's right.” Jackie thumped her bony chest with her fist. “If it wasn't for my fashion sense, we wouldn't be here.”

Sarah giggled and shook her head. “Whatever.”

“It's true. I saved us from the Cat Lady Killer and the Bombers. This makes
three times
my fashion sense has been key in our escapes.” Jackie placed her hands on her hips and gave Sarah an intent look. “Admit it. Fashion can be an asset to a detective.”

“I'll admit no such thing.”

“Come on girls. It's time to go. We can finish this discussion in the car,” her father said, stepping in to referee. He ushered the girls toward the door.

“Admit it,” Jackie said as she stepped toward the door.

“No way.” Sarah shook her head and caught up with her friend.

“You're living in denial.”

“So what. I like it there.” Sarah snickered.

Jackie's only response was to turn her head, flick her hair, and flounce toward the parking lot.

Sarah followed her friend and her words echoed through her mind.
I like it there.
She gazed at her father. “Dad, which car are we riding in?”

“Mr. Anthony's. His is the dark blue four-door over there.” He pointed to a car parked in the corner of the lot.

Sarah turned and yelled at her friend. “Jack, do you want to ride with us?” She pointed in the direction of the vehicle.

Jackie looked at her mother. Her mother shook her head and pointed toward their vehicle.

“I can't. I've got to ride with my parents.”

Sarah acknowledged Jackie's answer with a disappointed nod and then glanced at her father. “So, what happens now?” She bit her lip as her stomach fluttered. She silently groaned as she waited for her father to answer.

“What do you mean?”

“You know, with the Robinsons and everything.” Sarah didn't know why she danced around the subject she wanted to talk about. She figured it was because she was nervous.

Well, with the information on my flash drive Piper Drugs will lose the law suit in court. So, I imagine they'll try and settle out of court.”

“What does that mean?”

“They'll pay the Robinsons a lot of money if the Robinsons drop the suit.”

“Will the Robinsons go to jail for kidnapping?” Sarah asked.

“No. Your mother and I aren't going to press any charges.” He gave her a smile and patted her head. “When you're a parent you'll understand that.”

“What about that Burton guy… will he go to jail?” Sarah asked, remembering her own kidnapping.

“Yes. He was acting on his own. And he was caught in the act. So, he will be doing some jail time.”

Sarah grew silent; her stomach fluttered again as she worked up the courage to ask her father the one question weighing on her mind. Her steps seemed louder and her anxiety turned up a notch. “Dad?”

“Yeah?”

Sarah took a deep, shaky breath. “Are we moving back to Walker?”

Her father smiled and glanced at her. Sarah saw the warm love he had for her shining in his eyes.

He cleared his throat. “Your mother and I have been having a lot of talks about that.”

“And?”

“I imagine I don't have a job anymore after all of this.” He scratched his head and a smile played at the corner of his mouth.

“So, you won't be working in Walker anymore, right?”

“That's right.”

“So… we could move anywhere, right?”

Her father cracked a wide grin. “Right.”

“Have you thought about moving to Harrisburg? Lacey and I really like it there.” Sarah held her breath and waited for his answer.

“That's something we've been talking about.” He glanced at her and winked. “Your mother and I were going to ask you girls how you felt about it.”

“We would love it!” Sarah hugged her father and then spun toward her friend. “Jackie, wait!”

Jackie faced her friend, her expression clouded with worry. “What is it?”

“It's awesome news,” Sarah said when she reached her.

Jackie clutched her arm. “Tell me, what is it?”

“We're moving to Harrisburg.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“Totally serious.”

“That is totally cool beans.” Jackie grabbed Sarah in a fierce bear hug.

“You got that right.” Sarah hugged her back. She couldn't wait to tell Lacey and Alex. Squeezing Jackie tighter, she waited for the rest of the gang to catch up. They were going home; home to Harrisburg. She wondered what the next mystery would be that the Super Spies would solve.