A Life Like Mine

by Jorie Saldanha

  “These accusations are quite remarkable. Back to you, June.”

  “What a witch!” I was horrified and shocked. “She totally made all of that up!”

  “Just listen,” Keri shushed me.

  “What’s next for this boy?” Bill asked.

  “An unknown guardian took the boy into custody. He is under house arrest and will be scheduled to go to court today or tomorrow. The prosecutors are asking that he be tried as an adult.”

  “The girl that was with him was questioned and released. She has been rumored to be involved. Little is known about this girl, though,” Bill added.

  “We will report on this as more information becomes available. I’m June Ardsley.”

  “And I’m Bill Saxon! Good bye!” Bill flashed his totally fake smile. The show went to commercial.

  “Oh my gosh, Keri! I’m a suspect now aren’t I?” I asked.

  “No, but you are going to be watched,” Keri said, “And Adam’s in big trouble.”

  “I know!” I answered. “But Lena is making it a hundred times worse by spreading lies on public television. I mean, she spent the money that was stolen. He returned it, but she didn’t. She was the one who black mailed him! She could get into trouble for helping him.” I was talking a mile a minute.

  “There’s got to be a way for you to defend him. He did do a wrong and he was willing to set it right,” Keri added.

  “Right. So, then maybe I should go back to the station and tell them everything,” I said.

  “Maybe you should try to get in contact with Adam first,” Keri suggested.

  “Yeah. I’ll do that.”

  “Good!” Keri said.

  “I’ll talk to you as soon as I can, okay?” I asked.

  “I want you to make sure that you watch what you do.” Keri cautioned.

  “I will, Ker,” I said.

  “No, I mean be really careful,” Keri cautioned.

  “I get it.”

  “No, no you don’t.” Keri’s voice was very serious.

  “Keri, seriously! I understand. Now I have to go, because Adam might be in court already!” I said.

  “Alright. I want you to remember what I said.”

  “I will!” I said again.

  “Be sure to! Bye!”

  “Bye, Keri.” I hung up.

  I went to my computer. I had an e-mail from Adam!

  From: Adam121212@ gmail.com

  To: CoolCatAsh@ gmail.com

  Subject: News

  Ash,

  We haven’t seen each other in a while. I’m under house arrest at Hank’s house. He and I used to be best friends a while back. I’m sorry I got you into this. I just needed some closure and it ended up starting something else. I’ll be online at 1:30 AM this Sunday if you want to chat. Sorry it’s so early, but I’m kind of sneaking on. What’s up with Lena saying that you’re my sex object? I kind of like the idea! Just kidding. I miss you.

  --Adam

  I smiled. How could I have ever been mad at him? The poor guy was in a really tough situation. And what was this about some guy named Hank? I wondered if he was as cute as Adam! I started to reply to Adam’s e-mail.

  From: CoolCatAsh@ gmail.com

  To: Adam121212@ gmail.com

  Subject: Re: News

  Adam,

  I’ll chat with you at 1:30! We really need to straighten some stuff out. Lena is spreading some major lies about you and me. We have to set it right. Very funny! That’s gross that you like the idea of my being your sex objects! Sick. Who’s Hank? What’s he like? I miss you too.

  --Ash

  I browsed through the rest of my e-mails after I sent my e-mail to Adam. Then my computer said, “You have mail!” I practically jumped out of my skin. It was from Adam. He must’ve just gotten online! I was so excited that I could barely read. I wondered if Adam was going to be able to talk to me right then and there. That would have been so great if he could have!

  From: Adam121212@ gmail.com

  To: CoolCatAsh@ gmail.com

  Subject: Sorry

  Hey you’re on! Man, I’ve missed hearing from you. I’m sorry, but I can’t e-mail you for a while and we won’t be able to chat tomorrow. I’ve been banned from the Internet. The cops think that I might recruit some type of help. What, am I part of the mob or something? I’ll still be able to go to school though so maybe we can talk a few minutes. Hank is a really good friend of mine. He’s kind of a punk in looks because he used to have spiked hair, but then he cut them off. He’s one of those people that look tough on the inside, but are actually really nice people. He’s one of the best! The nicest guy you’ll ever meet beside myself, of course. HAHAHA. I’m glad that you miss me too. I’ll see you at school. I have to go to court in an hour or so. Later.

  --Adam

  I was a little sad, but I was also totally freaked out. Adam was going to court in about an hour! I didn’t have much time. I still hadn’t asked him if he thought I should go to the police and tell them everything I knew. I guess I would just have to decide for myself. I headed for the station. Have you ever felt like you were being watched? Like someone that you couldn’t see was following you? Well, that’s what I was feeling at the moment. It was almost as if I was feeling guilty about something, but I hadn’t done anything wrong. I didn’t have much time to worry about that though. For all I knew Adam was already in court and I was too late. It might even be over. I entered the station, and walked towards the front desk.

  “Excuse me?” I leaned onto the desk.

  “May I help you?” The old lady said it more like a statement than a question. She was what you would expect a secretary of the police department to look like. She had the long nose that had old lady glasses hanging off of them, the frumpy dress, the voice without any tone, and the prune face.

  “Yes, I need to talk to an officer.”

  “Don’t we all? What is your inquiry?” The lady must’ve needed a break, because she was totally snappy.

  “It’s kind of confidential,” I whispered.

  “Ha!” The aged woman snorted. “I know everything there is to know about every case that goes on. I’m sure the insignificant information you have to tell me won’t get into the wrong hands.”

  “Ma’am, I would appreciate it if you were a little quieter. This is important to me. Have you heard about the case on Adam Houston?”

  “You think I’d tell you? Kid, you can’t just come in here and ask about one of the most important cases. I can’t tell you. You have to tell me what you know in order for me to tell you what I know. How do you know his name? It hasn’t been released to the press!” The lady squinted her eyes at me.

  “I’m the girl that came in with him when he turned himself in.”

  “Oh you are? Then by all means you’re a V.I.P. Excuse me! Ladies and gentlemen, make way for the most important girl in history!” The woman was so sarcastic you could almost see it drip out of her mouth.

  “Listen, you don’t need to be so weird about it. How else would I know his name? Like you said, it hasn’t been released to the press yet. I came and saw an officer. He questioned me, and then released me. Well, I’ve done some investigating of my own, and I think I might have found something.”

  “Oh yeah? What Sherlock?” The lady leaned towards me. “Why should I believe you?”

  “Because it’s the truth. If you brought out an officer who was here the day that Adam turned himself in, I’m sure they’d recognize me.”

  “Fine. If you’re lying though I’m going to have you escorted off the premises.” The woman cautioned me.

  “Off the premises, the door is two feet away!” I was a little tired of talking to this woman. “I’m sorry. Never mind. Just go and get an officer, please.”

  “Fine.” The woman walked off and came back with an officer. It was the same heavyset man that had questioned me before.

  “Hi! I’m back. I think I’ve got some information that you might find interesting.”

  �
�Hello, you’re back already? Yes, Fran, I know this girl. Thanks for coming and getting me. Come on now, Miss.” The officer motioned for me to follow as I gave the old lady a triumphant smirk.

  “So, may I ask what brings you here?” The officer sat down.

  “What’s your name?” I asked.

  “What?”

  “Your name. I don’t want to keep calling you officer.” I answered.

  “It’s John.”

  “May I call you John?” I questioned.

  “Yes. Now what brings you here?”

  “Well, John, I’ve found out who spent the money!” I smiled.

  “What?”

  “No, Lena spent it. She was supposed to return it for him, but she went on a shopping spree. She admitted it to me herself. I had a food fight with her, and surprisingly enough, didn’t get into trouble.” I explained.

  “Whoa! Hold it. Who are we talking about here? Who’s this Lena girl?” John asked me.

  “She’s an evil person who’s out to ruin me,” I replied folding my arms.

  “Her name is Lena Bobbins and she used to go out with Adam. Her dad is the owner of the bank.”

  “So Lena is in on it? She helped him steal the money?” He asked.

  “No, Lena was going out with him at the time. When she found out that he had stolen it, she suggested that he give it to her to return and seek some help.”

  “Help?” John looked at me curiously.

  “I don’t know what he meant by help, but he had a problem with stealing so he went to get help from a shrink,” I answered.

  “Okay, so you’re saying that Adam stole the money, felt bad, returned it via Lena, and turned himself in thinking he would get a slap on the wrist and be sent home?” John smirked.

  “Basically.”

  “That’s not information, that’s gossip. I’m sorry, but in a court of law you can’t present gossip as fact.” John stood up ready to escort me out.

  “Lena admitted it to me herself. She told me everything. If I could get a way to record Lena without her knowing it, could we prove that Lena was the one who spent the money?” I asked hopefully.

  “You’d have to get permission from a judge, but still what would that help?”

  “If I could get Lena to admit that she spent the money instead of returning it, it’s almost as if she stole it.”

  “Yes, but she didn’t. Adam did. He’d still have to stand trial.” John looked at me.

  “Yeah, but that wouldn’t be as bad,” I answered.

  “Still it would be better if you had a video camera. Although, it’s not as easy to get permission for that,” John remarked.

  “Could I got to the judge and ask?” I bit my lip in anticipation for an answer.

  “Ashley, you’d have to have data to back yourself up, a lawyer, and a time to go to the judge properly. You can’t just run up to him and ask. That’s not how it’s done,” John told me.

  “Well, then what can I do to get Lena into this?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of this. As soon as I can get the okay to record her, I’ll call you in. Then we can plant a camera and you can get Lena to confess. Then Adam’s sentence will be less severe.” John escorted me out of the station. “Don’t tell anyone about this.”

  “Okay.” I said. I was left to walk around in anticipation for the go ahead to get Lena. It was already dinnertime when I got home. I ate a small snack and waited by the phone until nearly 10:00. I decided to go online. Then the phone rang! Yes! (Are you anxious or what? Okay, fine don’t care about me! You’re no fun.)

  “John? Oh my gosh! I’m really glad you called. I couldn’t wait to hear from you.”

  “Who’s John?” I heard a deep voice ask.

  “Who’s this?” I asked.

  “It’s Adam.”

  “Adam?” I squeaked in surprise. “I didn’t know that you were able to make calls.”

  “Well, I am. You weren’t expecting a call from me?”

  “No! I was expecting for you to be in court.”

  “Oh that! It was postponed because of some ‘new leads.’ I don’t know why they don’t tell me what ‘new leads.’ I mean, it is my life. I guess they don’t want me to get my hopes up. They told me that I might have to actually go to jail! How random is that?”

  “That’s not cool at all. Could I talk to you later? I’m kind of expecting a call.” I asked.

  “I know. You’re expecting a call from John. Who is he?” Adam sounded angry.

  “It’s no big deal. I just can’t tell you who he is or why he’ll call because he made me promise not to,” I said.

  “You’re going out with him aren’t you?”

  “No. That’s stupid. You and I aren’t even going out yet and you thinking I’m dating someone else?” I have to admit I was a little annoyed.

  “You know I was supposed to use this call to tell Hank to come pick me up, but I wanted to talk to you so badly that I called you instead. Now you’re expecting calls from other guys and trying to get me off the phone?”

  “Whoa! You’re blowing this way out of proportion. I’m not seeing anyone else. Don’t be so possessive,” I scolded.

  “Possessive? So me caring about where you are is possessive now? I’m sorry that you see it that way. Maybe I should have called Hank.”

  “Now don’t get so angry. I know you’re in a bad way, but don’t get all mad at me.” I was getting defensive.

  “Why shouldn’t I get angry? You’re lying to me. I can feel it.” Adam sounded sad.

  “You don’t trust me? I’d tell you what is going on, but I promised that I wouldn’t say a word. I can’t even tell my parents,” I explained.

  “No, I trust you. It’s just why can’t you tell me?”

  “Because it’s about you,” I confessed.

  “What?”

  “It’s top secret. I’m trying to help you.”

  “How?” Adam was huffy.

  “I said I can’t tell you.”

  “Oh, I’m sure. Ash, what are you hiding from me. I don’t like you sneaking around with all of these stupid stories,” Adam yelled into the phone.

  “Well, maybe I won’t help you then if you think I’m just a big fat liar!” I shrieked in reply.

  “Fine!” He answered.

  “Fine! Good bye!” I hung up before I could hear him answer me. Ugh! The nerve. Why was he being so harsh with me? He didn’t believe that what I was telling him was the truth. Maybe he wasn’t the guy for me after all. If he couldn’t trust me while we weren’t going out, what would he do if we were? The phone rang.

  “Leave me alone, Adam.” I yelled.

  “Adam called you? It’s Officer John.”

  “Oh. Sorry. I just had an argument with Adam that’s all. He wanted to know why I needed to get off the phone.”

  “And?” John asked.

  “And I told him that I couldn’t tell,” I answered honestly.

  “I see. He thought you were lying to him and seeing someone else?” for some reason he was really on my frequency. Isn’t that odd? I think it’s weird how the people that you think will be the farthest away from understanding you end up the closest.

  “Yes!” I replied.

  “Well, he’ll get over it. He’s in a rough spot right now.”

  “Yeah, but did you get the okay?”

  “Yes. I met with the judge and he approved.”

  “But I wasn’t even there,” I said.

  “I know, but I got everyone on the squad to get statements and information concerning what you said. He said that I had probable cause to investigate Lena.

  “When was this meeting?” I asked.

  “I convinced the judge to do it before he went home for the night.” John said.

  “You got all the information you needed that quickly?” I was shocked.

  “Yes, the Internet is so beautiful!” He laughed. Now get down here so we can get you the gear you need.”

  “John?”

/>   “Yes?” John inquired.

  “It’s 1:23. Maybe I should come over in a couple of hours. Go home and get some sleep. I’ll be over there at 9:00.” I hung up and went to bed. The minute I got up, I rushed over. They couldn’t find a place to put a camera on me that Lena wouldn’t be able to see.

  “Sorry, I don’t know where to put it.” John said.

  “There has to be a place for it.” I sighed.

  “Well, there is one place.”

  “Where?” I asked.

  “You’re not going to like it.”

  “Where?” I asked.

  “Your bra.” Officer John said as quickly and quietly as he could.

  “What?” Oh no! There’s no way! How would it get through my shirt anyway?”

  “Well we have a new type of camera that will sit outside of your shirt, but it’ll look like part of your shirt.” John answered.

  “Fine! This is so gross! I just want you to know that I’m not happy about this.” They put the tiny camera on me. I was ready to go. I went over to Lena’s house. I figured if she wasn’t there I’d be able to find out where she went. I walked up to her house and rang the doorbell.

  “Hello?” It was Lena. “What do you want? Why are you even here?”

  “I came over here to yell at you!” I answered. After all, that wasn’t something that she would expect. I do yell at her all the time.

  “You couldn’t have waited until tomorrow?” Lena asked.

  “You called me a prostitute on TV!” I yelled.

  “And what did I say that wasn’t a lie?” Lena sneered.

  “Let me get this straight. Adam stole the money from your dad’s bank, you knew about it, you didn’t tell anyone, you got the money from Adam, you spent it all on stuff, and then you blackmailed Adam into dating you or otherwise you’d report him?” I rattled off the facts.

  “Yes, and I’d do it again. I bought everything you see here.” Lena motioned to different places on her body.