The Ransom by Chris Taylor Page A

I’d think the kidnapping had nothing to do with your political stance. It appears no more than an unfortunate incident that thankfully happens only rarely in Sydney where someone has targeted you as a wealthy member of society who might very well be willing to pay an enormous sum of money to have his daughter returned. The fact that the kidnapper took the wrong child is tragic, but it doesn’t change the essence of what happened.”
    Lane’s breath came faster, but he wasn’t finished yet. He leaned over her father’s desk and eyeballed him. “The only peculiar aspect of that theory is why it would involve the Redbacks. I admit, they’re a bunch of violent, lawless criminals, but kidnapping young children for the sole purpose of extortion isn’t their scene. Something doesn’t add up. What’s your take on it, David?”
    Zara’s fingernails bit into her palms. She held her breath and waited for her father to answer.
    His face was flushed. “If you’re asking me whether I have ties to an outlaw motorcycle gang, the answer is a vehement no . Of course I don’t have links to an illegal biker gang. The very idea is preposterous!”
    He looked directly at Lane, who didn’t flinch. “If you’re asking me whether a member of such a gang could have a grievance against me, then I guess the answer’s yes. You’ve already referred to my position in relation to the laws governing these gangs.”
    “Then why is there no reference to those laws, no mention of backing off, in the note? You said last night’s caller made specific reference to your reforms. A child mistakenly believed to be your daughter is kidnapped, a note turns up, but makes no mention of the earlier demands. It doesn’t make sense.” Lane’s voice was threaded with steel, as if daring her father to dispute that.
    Zara listened to Lane’s reasoning with a growing sense of unease. On top of her own disquiet, the possibility that her father was involved in something awful refused to go away. She watched him closely, hoping to gauge something from his response.
    His eyes flashed at Lane with anger and his face turned red. His breath hissed between clenched teeth. Zara held her breath, praying silently for him to regain control.
    “I don’t know what you want me to say, Detective,” he growled. “I received a phone call threatening my family with harm if I didn’t back down from my current position. A day later, my daughter’s involved in an attempted kidnapping. Call me stupid, but I can’t help but think those incidents are related.”
    Lane moved slightly away and gave a brisk nod. “Okay, let’s go with that theory. In fact, we’ve put together a photo line-up of convicted criminals who sport the redback spider tattoo in the position Brittany described. I’d like to ask her to take a look at it.”
    “What if the man responsible doesn’t have a record?” her father asked.
    “Then we have a problem. Our system only records the distinguishing scars, birthmarks, tattoos and the like of convicted felons. If our guy’s never been convicted, then without another eyewitness, there’s very little chance we’ll find him.” Lane’s face reflected his frustration. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
    Her father’s shoulders slumped almost in a sign of defeat. He looked sideways at Zara. “Do you think Brittany’s up to talking with the police again?”
    Zara compressed her lips together, wanting nothing more than to spare her sister another round of questioning, but she thought of Olivia and her parents and knew she didn’t have any choice.
    “She was sleeping when I came downstairs, but I’ll go and check on her again. I think it’s important to do all we can to help.”
    Her father nodded tiredly. “Yes, of course. You’re right.”
    Lane nodded a brusque thank you and pushed away from the desk. He strode toward the closed door of her father’s office and flung it open.
    “Jett, are you out there?”
    Zara started