CHAPTER 7

3:10 A.M.

In Hotel La' More Room No. 902.....

Jim and Nathan were delving into Jonathan Stone’s case file with diligence. It’s been nearly two hours since the Captain called. But, as he said, he never broke his deal. They could see their children via the live stream to which they had been allowed access. Except for the fact that Ivanka and William’s hands and legs were tied, they seemed to be in decent shape. They could also hear what they were saying, but there was no way their kids knew that their fathers could listen to them.

“We tried so hard that neither of them ever met and look at us. Here we are at this crossroads,” Jim said to Nathan.

“What more could we have done? At the very least, our secrets are safe. Our kids know nothing about us.” Nathan told his friend.

“How long, though? They may not be aware about us, but the kidnapper does. So, we will be good only till we comply with them. Perhaps we should not have called the police. Things would have gone even more smoothly.” Ji