Samantha's Talent (19 page)

"Me, too, Dorothy. That woman would do just about anything now to hurt the family. She's taken their resistance personal." He shook his head in disbelief that anyone would want to cause harm to the girl.

***

At first, Steve had decided there was no benefit in telling the Douglas family about the probable return of Meriweather until it happened, but then changed his mind almost immediately. He didn't want them to be blind-sided when it came up, especially if there was a hearing. He told the Douglas' during a visit that evening. They were worried about it, especially when Sammie's thirteenth birthday party was just around the corner, but none of the adults could see any reason to tell her until after her party. They could see no sense in having Samantha worry about it and spoil the fun of her first teen birthday.

***

The next morning when Steve arrived at his office he found a young woman waiting in the office lobby for him. At first he thought she was only be in her twenties but a second look told him she was probably thirty or more. She had a very serious expression on her face as she stood up when he arrived. Since he had no immediate appointments he invited her into his office, more from curiosity than anything else.

Jane Carruthers smiled to herself as she saw the puzzled and mildly shocked reaction to the card she'd passed to him across the desk after being seated, along with a dollar bill to serve as a "retainer" so that he would have to keep their relationship private. Only then did she tell him she was there in reference to Samantha Douglas. Her boss, Anton McCallister, had decided to send her to speak with the attorney. That would let him and the Douglas family continue to think of Jennie Standifer as only a reporter for now.

"Why would you people be interested in Samantha? I don't understand," Steve said.

"If everything we've read about her is true, she could not only be very valuable to our country but to others as well. Our main interest right now is to see that she isn't kidnapped by a foreign power or by terrorists.""Foreign powers? Terrorists? Lady, what are you talking about? What would a terrorist want with her?"

"The same thing as a foreign military would. Can't you imagine her telling a dog, for instance, to run into a church after they've strapped explosives to it? The poor dog wouldn't know any better. Or how about someone else's navy having her instruct a dolphin or seal to hit a submarine, also with explosives attached?"

Jane thought she could see the man was horrified by the very idea, but soon found she was wrong. He was simply concerned about Samantha Douglas and her safety.

"Samantha would
never
do anything so evil to an animal. It would kill that child to deliberately have an animal that trusted her destroy itself that way. No one, and I mean
no one
could make her do such a thing."

"Suppose her parents were threatened if she didn't?"

"That's too awful for me to even think about, much less her. It would drive her insane if nothing else."

"She feels that strongly about the animals she works with?"

"The ones she knows. The ones she's talked to. The ones she's helped. The ones that are her friends."

"I see, Mr. Orleans and frankly, I'm glad to hear you say that. Our agency would never contemplate putting her into such a situation. We do believe, though, that she should be studied. Her mind should be examined by reputable scientists in order to find out how she does what she does. As I said, we wouldn't put her into any situation that would cause her pain but on the other hand, I'm sure you're aware that animals have been used in warfare for untold centuries. We're thinking more on the lines of animal companions, such as bomb sniffing dogs, for example, helping us defeat the world wide terrorist organizations. That wouldn't be such a bad thing would it?"

"I'd have to think about that."

"Please do. I might also mention that my boss believes her talent may have implications even beyond those I've mentioned."

"Such as?"

Jane smiled wryly. "I couldn't tell you if I knew, which I don't. As my boss said to me, it's beyond my pay grade. I trust him, though. He sent me to tell you that our agency is thinking of nothing but Samantha's safety and peace of mind and of ways she could help the country as she chooses to. Other agencies of our government aren't nearly so benevolent. I would appreciate it if you would contact me if you suspect anyone of that nature is nosing around, and the same goes for anyone from foreign powers as well. Be suspicious of everyone. Be suspicious of
me
Mr. Orleans. Any time you believe I'm not thinking of her welfare, please let me know. Will you?"

"Yes, I suppose I could do that much. Have you spoken to her parents yet?"

"No, but I will soon. Or perhaps someone else may. We would much prefer for her to continue to develop normally, just as young girls do, or to develop as normally as is possible for someone with her talent and her intelligence. It may be that a loving home environment such as I think she's experienced so far is exactly what she needs to enhance her talent. Anything you can do to help her, we would sincerely appreciate."

"And you're ready to help if I call on you, I take it?"

"Yes, of course."

"Very well, then. The first thing you can do is intervene if the CPS in the form of Ms. Jesha Meriweather attempts to remove Samantha from her home."

"Don't worry about that, sir. In fact--" she reached into her handbag and removed a small folder. "Take this. You may open the envelope inside if you wish, but it is to be shown to the judge if a case involving Samantha ever gets as far as a courtroom. You'll also find a check made out to you inside. That is to reimburse you for your services. We know you've been hard-pressed to devote as much time to her as you have already. That should help."

Steve took the folder and put it in a desk drawer. He wondered whether or not he was doing the right thing by working with this woman, if he decided to. He had to admit she had brought questions to mind he'd never thought of, but he could see where someone like the lady sitting across from him naturally would. And that other, perhaps much more threatening agencies or powers probably would also. What a damn stupid world it is where someone as sweet and thoughtful and caring as Samantha Douglas might become a pawn being played on an international chess board, he thought sadly.

"There he is now!" Betty said excitedly.

Samantha turned to look and sure enough, Shelton Brady was just being let inside their home by her mother. She had thought miserably that he wasn't going to be present for her birthday party since almost everyone else in the class had arrived, but there he was! She hurried toward him then slowed as she felt her face burning. She had never spoken to him other than to shyly murmur hello when passing him in the hall at school. Nevertheless she managed to get the words out. "Hi Shelton. Thanks for coming."

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything," he said, and then she noticed that he appeared to be studying her intently. She hoped it was because he was interested in her but it was impossible to tell.

"Well, I'm still glad you came." She felt a cold touch on her hand and knew what it was without looking down. Shufus had poked his nose into her hand. He had gone to the door as each member of her class arrived.

"Shelton, this is my dog, Shufus. He's real smart."

As if to prove the point, the dog sat up on his haunches and offered a paw to the boy. Shelton took it hesitantly but then his hand and the dog's paw parted almost instantly. Shufus had his full growth but had yet to fill out completely. When he did, he had the promise of becoming a very big German Shepherd, even larger than he already was. Samantha didn't notice that it was Shufus who had broken contact rather than Shelton.

"Does he bite?" the boy asked warily.

"Not unless someone threatens me. So far no one has while he's around."

"I can see why!"

Samantha chuckled. "Uh huh. Come on in and get some punch and have some munchies while we wait for the pizza to arrive."

"Thanks. Uh, this is for you." He offered a small wrapped package to her.

"Oh, thank you! I'll put it with the others and open them all after we cut the cake."

Now that her favored guest had arrived Samantha's attitude brightened considerably. She didn't think she was purposely trying to stay close to Shelton but she found that they were managing to be near each other more often than not during the afternoon. Ronald didn't notice this, but his wife certainly did. Her thoughts were tinged with nostalgia as she thought of her own youth and how easily young teens could be attracted to the opposite sex and also how easily they could have their feelings hurt. Samantha's first approach to a boy had ended badly but perhaps this one wouldn't. It appeared to be off to a good start anyway.

There was punch, cold drinks, mixed nuts, chips and dip, sandwiches and other munching food displayed as a buffet, with the pizza yet to come, in a rather hopeless attempt to fill the continuous appetites of teenagers. The ones in Samantha's class were aged twelve to fourteen. The Brady boy was fourteen, she thought. At least he looked to be that old. As the afternoon passed some of the teens danced to loud music that almost drove the adults to other parts of the house. When she thought she could stand the booming, rhythmic sounds of the instruments and screaming (as she thought of it) from the accompanying artists any longer, Elaine announced that it was time to cut the cake and open presents.

The cake was enormous, of a size she hoped would be enough to top off all the other goodies that had been consumed. She lit the candles, thirteen of them with "one to grow on" then stood back.

"Blow them out, Sammie! Blow them out!" The chorus of commands brought her to the side of the cake. She took an enormous breath then blew as hard as she could.

"Yay! She got them all! What did you wish for Sammie?" Her friend Betty yelled.

Samantha blushed. She wasn't about to tell anyone what she had wished for but she hoped it would happen.

It did, once the presents had been opened. Samantha saved Shelton's for last. It was so small she was curious over what it could be. Slowly, she untied the ribbon and carefully pulled the paper off. Inside was a small white box with a cover. She lifted it off and saw the glint of gold, or more likely gold plate but she really didn't care which. It was a thin bracelet with places where charms could be attached. As yet it had only one, a small plain gold heart.

She looked up and toward Shelton. "It's beautiful, Shelton. Thank you."

"What is it?" Betty wanted to know. She was sitting next to Samantha and leaned forward to peek. "It's a charm bracelet with a heart on it!" she proclaimed to the group, who whistled and cheered, causing both Samantha and Shelton to blush.

She got her nerve up and held out her wrist to the boy. "Would you put it on for me, please?"

"Okay." He fumbled with the clasp and finally got it fastened.

"Now you have to kiss her!" someone yelled. That voice was joined by most of the others except for a few girls who had cherished hopes of becoming his main interest.

Dutifully, Shelton leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss. If it was lacking in ardor it certainly didn't bother Samantha, since receiving a kiss from Shelton sometime during the party had been her wish when she blew out the candles. She grinned and thanked him again for her gift.

The rest of the day was anticlimactic for Samantha. After her last guests had been picked up by parents or friends she began helping her mother and father clean up. "Thank you both for having the party for me," she said. "It was so nice of you and everyone had a good time."

"Well, I'm glad," her mother responded, then couldn't help tease her a bit. "That's a pretty bracelet that good-looking young man gave you. I think he must like you."

"I guess he does, or at least I hope so."

***

The next several weeks went well for Samantha. She and Betty continued to eat lunch together but now they were joined by Shelton and Betty's new boyfriend, Delton Shakeston, a dark haired boy not much taller than her. There was even some more kissing after lunch and at the movies when Shelton asked her to go with him.

Dr. Summers called her again and asked for her assistance. This time it was for an aged gorilla that had become moody and wasn't eating well. Samantha stood outside his cage and tried to talk to him but for once she was unable to help. The old fellow would talk to her but a moment later ask her who she was and what she wanted all over again. Finally Samantha had to give up.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Summers. I think he's just old and senile. I can talk to him but he doesn't remember anything a few minutes later. I think he's just forgetting what food is for and that's why he isn't eating."

"I suspected as much myself but I wanted to make sure."

"What will you do with him?"

"There's really not much to do, Sammie. We'll try feeding him more regularly and see if that helps but most likely we'll just have to euthanize him soon. I hate it, but it's better than letting him starve to death or simply sit and stare into space because he doesn't know what's happening any longer."

Samantha looked sadly at the old grizzled gorilla. Just from seeing his dazed expression and vacant eyes she knew Dr. Summers would be doing him a kindness. A couple of times in Alaska she had seen old animals but in the wild there was no lingering death. The old ones were eventually pulled down and eaten by animals that preyed upon them. It was just the way it was and the animals accepted it, just as she had learned to. It was only humans who took care of the elderly and incurably ill of their species.

As Dr. Summers was escorting Samantha and her father back to their car she exchanged glances with Ronald. He knew what she was thinking. It couldn't be much longer before Ms. Meriweather made her move. He hated that it was coming. Samantha seemed so happy now, with friends she liked and who liked her, and with occasional jobs at the zoo where she could most of the time help an ill animal. She had her young boyfriend who was commendably polite and well-mannered. He was still hoping everything would work out in their favor but there was no way to be sure. In fact, he was worried. The best outcome would be no CPS hearing at all. Next to that would be drawing Judge Simonson, the one judge of the two who heard CPS cases and who would be favorably inclined toward them to begin with. The selection was random though, and that meant no better than an even chance of getting him if there was a hearing. Also, he was certain that whatever evidence Meriweather dug up would be distorted. And even if whatever she found wasn't slanted against them, Meriweather's investigator might turn up more facts against Samantha's parents than there was favorable evidence to offset it. That would depend upon subjective determinations, of course and there was no way of predicting how they would be taken.