“That’s why all known code words for the group send up an alarm when they are entered into a computer search,” Mr. Webster says quietly. “We’ve set up a system that combs the internet for specific words and phrases to stop this gang of troublemakers from recruiting new members who don’t understand what they are getting themselves into. We’re also exploring options about how to shut them down for good. Hopefully, the authorities will get a lead on how to do that before they cause far greater trouble. It took time for our city to become the safe, thriving place it is today. We don’t want all that hard work to be destroyed. I’m sure you can agree with that.”

Now that he has explained the problem, I guess I can understand how the search triggered an alarm and why the school called the police. But that answers only one of my questions. I swallow hard and ask the other: “So now what? What happens to me?” Compared with gangs trying to destroy the safety of the city, that probably sounds a bit selfish, but I never claimed to be generous.

“They can’t blame Meri for being curious,” Rose insists, shifting on the sofa so she is now facing her father. “Had I found the paper, I probably would have done the same thing.”

No. Rose doesn’t bend rules the way I do. She would have immediately asked a teacher what the letters meant. But I appreciate her support.

I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin until Mr. Webster lets out a sigh and says, “I will talk to Principal Velshi. Then I’ll contact the chief of police and inform her that you set the alarm off by accident. The task force always knew this kind of thing could happen.”

“So you know this isn’t Meri’s fault. Right?” Rose’s voice is like steel. “It wouldn’t be fair if she got in trouble for a mistake made by the city.”

Mr. Webster purses his lips, and I hurry to pull his attention away from her before one of them says something that will strain their relationship even more. “I honestly didn’t know what the word was, Mr. Webster. It was a mistake not to turn the paper in the minute I found it.”

Finally, he pulls his gaze from his daughter and looks back at me. “Rose is right. It wouldn’t be fair if you got in trouble because you were curious.” For the first time he smiles, which warms his eyes. “I would have wanted to know what an unfamiliar word meant, too. It is the nature of active minds to search for answers. Don’t worry, I’ll see that you don’t get in trouble for what happened today.”

I let out a relieved sigh as Rose matches her father’s grin. “Thank you.”

“But,” Mr. Webster adds as his expression dissolves from positive to stern. “Now that you know about the gang and the things they’ve done, I’m certain you can see the value in putting a stop to this group’s activities sooner than later. We would like to keep any other innocent people from setting off the alarm and being questioned.”