Crime Time

"Kathleen was taken and I'm frightened to death for her," Martha reported. The problem is her abductor is the revered local police chief! I know he'll bury any tip that comes near him! What should I do?"

"Give me the details," I said. "I'll try to locate a sympathetic ear from down here."

Betsy printed out Martha's Email and a list of FBI offices around the country. With a disposable cell phone and papers in hand, I caught a cab to the Port Authority bus terminal. The girl was abducted in Georgia. My first choice was to telephone the Atlanta office but I wondered if I might get a more objective hearing from an office further from a good old boy network.

I was as nervous tonight as usual making the tip call. When calling, I relied on their guarantee the caller would almost always remain anonymous. With the FBI, I could guarantee the opposite; my call would be recorded. If anyone could trace a disposable phone, they could. I took a deep breath and randomly chose a Pittsburg number.

North Carolina. How could they have seen me? Where were they hiding? It was Delaware, in the middle of nowhere and I watched the house for hours before I took my prize. I swear I would have seen anyone who was nearby. No one has ever come this close to catching me! Thank god they didn't see my license plate number. I have to be even more careful. Now I must invest in a new vehicle. I'm haven't slept for nights. Nightmares persist with the dogs of the law in never ending pursuit. I can't concentrate on my little darlings. Bastards!