“Sam, please tell me you know there’s no way even you could’ve stopped him from doing something stupid, if that’s what this is. You were a kid once. You remember how it is when your friends talk you into doing something you know you shouldn’t do, but you’re afraid to say no to them.”
“Yes, I remember that pressure.”
“It’s so much worse for these kids, thanks to cell phones, social media, the internet and a million influences that shape them in ways we’re just beginning to understand. I was briefed on this subject a while back and told how young people are becoming radicalized online. Homegrown terrorism has become a greater source of concern than foreign threats.”
“We’ve had some briefings on that at work, too, but it hadn’t played into any of my cases, so I didn’t pay as much attention to it as I probably should have.”
“As much as the internet has revolutionized the way we live and work, it’s created a whole host of other issues that’re becoming more serious all the time.”
“Scary shit.” A shiver of apprehension went through her body. “If this turns out to be something big, I don’t know what’ll become of Tracy and Mike. They barely survived what happened to Brooke.”
“I know. I was thinking the same thing.”
“Auntie Sam.”
Nick released her so she could turn to see Abby.
Sam held out her arms to her niece, who came to her and held on tight. She had dark blonde hair and hazel eyes and looked like her mother had at the same age. “How’re you doing, honey?”
“I’m so worried about Ethan.”
“I know, baby. We all are.”
“He’s been so…”
“What?”
“He’s mean to me. He never used to be. It hurts my feelings.”
“I’m sure it does, and I’m sorry that he’s been like that.” Sam’s heart broke for Abby, who’d take her brother’s harsh treatment hard as such a sensitive soul. “Has he said anything to you that might help us figure out where he might be?”
“I’ve been trying to think about that, but I can’t remember anything that might help, other than him being kind of mean sometimes.”
“Thank you for trying to help. I’m sure we’ll find him soon.”
“What if we don’t? What if he’s gone forever, like Grandpa and Uncle Spencer?”
“He’s not gone forever.” Sam fervently hoped that was true. “He’s probably off having an adventure with his friends and lost track of time.”
She realized they needed to get Abby out of there, which Tracy would’ve determined herself if she hadn’t been so panicked about Ethan. “How about if Uncle Nick takes you back to our house for a sleepover with the kids? Nana is there, too.”
“I have Uma’s birthday party tomorrow.”
“Nana will get you there. What do you think?”
“I guess that would be okay. Will you tell me if you find Ethan?”
“Of course we will. Do you want to go with Uncle Nick?”
“Yes, please.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to your mom and dad about it.”
“Thank you, Sam.”
“No problem.”
Abby took off to get her coat with a new sense of purpose now that there was a plan in place.
