Page 36 of Next Level
“Tell me everything that transpired?
“I’d been chatting with Jared online for a few months while we gamed. He kept wanting to meet in person. When he said he was going to be at the car show in Oakland, I said I would be there too with my dad. We met that day, but not for long. His friend had to leave, so he said he’d be in touch and we’d hang out.
“I didn’t think anything of it, but he kept asking to see me. The day I was taken, I was at Amanda’s house. We were all gaming and having a good time.”
My blood boiled, wanting to drill her with questions, but I decided to wait until we weren’t sitting with the police.
Obviously thinking the same thing, Officer Wilkerson asks, “How did he know where you lived or where you were? How did he get you into the car?”
She looks at me and then looks back at the officers. “I told him where I lived and that I was at Amanda’s, and she lived a few blocks away.”
The room goes silent. I’m holding back my anger because I don’t want to upset Sam or stop her from talking. We need to get this over with, and I can have my own discussion with her on our long drive home.
When no one says anything, Sam continues, “He told me he was in the area and wanted to see me. That he would give me a ride home from Amanda’s. I didn’t think it would be bad. It wasn’t far, so I said yes.”
She pauses, fidgeting with her fingernails.
“When he picked me up, I noticed someone in the back seat. He said it was his brother, Garrett, and to jump in. So I didn’t think anything of it. He hugged me and introduced me to him. When we took off driving, he said he wanted to take me to get some food. I didn’t have to be home for a couple more hours, so I said yes. I didn’t feel threatened in any way.”
I stay silent, knowing there’s a but in there. I know it’s going to turn bad soon, and I try to keep my expressions calm. I need to be strong for my girl.
Officer Franklin speaks up for the first time. “When did you feel threatened?”
Tears begin to swell in Sam’s eyes as she remembers, “We were next to my mom’s house when Garrett said fuck this. When I turned to see what he meant, thinking he didn’t want me to go and to just drop me off, he grabbed me and placed a cloth over my mouth and nose. I tried to fight, but Jared held my arms. Pleading with me to stay calm, that he wouldn’t let anythinghappen to me. The next thing I knew, I was in a hotel room tied up.”
“Did you know where you were?” Officer Wilkerson asked.
“No, each time they moved me, I was blindfolded or Garrett gave me something to knock me out. Jared was sweet, though, and kept me safe from Garrett messing with me. Each time I woke up, he’d release me so I could eat and use the bathroom.”
Officer Franklin asks, “Do you know why they took you?”
“I think.” She pauses, looking at me and then back at the officers. “I think it had to do with their biological parents. They kept talking about an eye for an eye. Jared just kept telling me to behave and that he’d protect me. That everything was going to be okay once they found their dad.”
That has me sitting up. “Who’s their dad?” I said harder than I wanted to, but I’m enraged.
She shrugged. “Garrett kept calling someone, saying they had me.”
Officer Franklin jumps in, asking, “Do you think it had to do with your father’s motorcycle club?”
I look at the officers and then back at my daughter.
Was this because of me?My mind starts spinning. Both boys were adopted.
Sam continues, “I don’t know. I felt like Jared really did like me, and he didn’t want anything to happen to me, but he wouldn’t go against his brother. They would fight over me. I know that. Garrett wanted to keep me tied up, but Jared didn’t. I promised I wouldn’t run or cause problems.” She paused again. When our eyes locked, I could see the relief etched on her face. “I knew my dad would find me.”
“Do you know where you were headed?” I ask.
“I just know we went to three places. One of them was Garrett’s adoptive parents’ cabin. We stayed there the longest, but when he saw Dad’s post and the news, he freaked. That’s whywe left. I think he was waiting for someone to meet up with us, but I’m not positive. They really wouldn’t speak about it in front of me.”
Itching to get out of the police station, I ask, “What happens now? When can I take her home to her mom?”
Officer Wilkerson continues to take notes while Officer Franklin addresses me. “Well, we’re going to charge both of them with child abduction and trafficking. Since they’re both over eighteen, they’ll be charged as adults. We’ve been in contact with the Oakland PD and the FBI. An FBI field agent is expected to arrive sometime today or tomorrow. Depending on what they decide, we should know whether they’ll be extradited back to Oakland. Usually, if they didn’t commit a crime where they’re apprehended, they’re returned to where the crime was committed.” She pauses. “As for Samantha, she can be released to you today, and by tomorrow, after the FBI gets all the statements, you should be able to take her home. After that, if the FBI or Oakland PD have any other questions, they’ll contact you.”
“Thank you. We have a long drive home.”
Both officers nod, and Officer Franklin asks, “Is there anything else you want to add? I know you said they didn’t touch you sexually, but is there anything else you want to add to the statement?”
Samantha shakes her head. “No. I just want to go home, take a shower, and sleep.”
