Blackmail by Robin Caroll Page A

Her financial report didn’t reflect a debt ratio that would allow such expenses.
    â€œIt’s okay, man. Better than juvie.”
    That had to be the truth. Jon nodded toward the computer. “Not doing any illegal downloads, are you?”
    â€œDo you think I’m stupid, dude?”
    No, but Jon couldn’t take any chances. “You know I have the right to check your system at any time, right? To make sure you aren’t in violation of your terms of release.”
    Caleb waved a hand toward the PC. “Knock yourself out.”
    If the kid did any pirating, he probably hid it well. Jon wasn’t that adept at computers. He decided to try another angle. “How about living with your sister? How are you two getting along?”
    Caleb shrugged. “She’s here.”
    â€œThat’s it? She takes you in, feeds you, provides all this for you and all you can say is she’s here? ” With the money spent onthe electronics around the room, Sadie could’ve bought a new living room set, which she clearly needed. It was obvious she was trying and Caleb was resisting.
    â€œWhat do you want me to say? She’s doing all this because she has to. Probably getting a kickback from the state so they don’t have to take me in.”
    Jon straightened and advanced on the kid. He bent until he was eye to eye with Caleb. “Listen to me and listen good. You think you know everything? Let me tell you something, you don’t know a thing. If it wasn’t for your sister, you’d be in the system and no telling what could happen to you. She didn’t have to take you in, but she did. And she gets no compensation for being your guardian.” He straightened. “Got that?”
    â€œYeah.” But the teen’s eyes blinked with fear Jon hadn’t seen in a long time.
    â€œAnd you’d better take your classes very seriously. You’re on notice, dude. One slipup, and you’re back in juvie so fast it’ll make your head swim. Got that?”
    â€œYeah.”
    Jon stared at Caleb, wondering what could be going on in that thick head of his. It was apparent the boy had already made his choice to continue on his trek down the wrong path in life. Shame, because the kid was smart, maybe too smart. And having Sadie as a guardian…well, the chances of Caleb being able to get his life back in line were slim to none. Nothing more for Jon to do but keep tabs on him until his probation was over, then he’d have to release him. And Caleb would most likely end up in prison within a year, if he even made it off probation without incident. “I’ll expect you in my office for your appointment later this week.”
    â€œWhatever.”
    Jon paused at the door. He had to give it one more try. “You know, Caleb, you’d better get your act together. I can have you sent back today.”
    â€œThreatening me?”
    â€œPromising.”
    Jon shut the door behind him. The music blasted immediately. He took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then released it slowly. The kid wouldn’t listen.
    Caleb Frost was a lost cause, even if it weren’t for Sadie’s unsteady influence.
    He shouldn’t care how she felt, what happened to her, how Caleb’s attitude had to hurt her. No, he shouldn’t care even one iota about Sadie Thompson’s emotions.
    But he did.
    Â 
    â€œCan I talk to you for a minute?”
    Sadie glanced up from her list of suspects to meet her brother’s inquiring look. She’d finished cleaning the kitchen, seen Jon out and had changed into shorts and a T-shirt. Now she sat curled up in the recliner in the living room, reading the names until she thought she’d go blind. She smiled. “Sure.” Her heart leaped. Would Caleb finally accept the olive branch she’d offered?
    He sat on the arm of the couch, his long legs spread out in front of him. “I’m sorry if I’ve seemed