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knew about him and Mia. Before the conversation inevitably moved in that direction, however, Jack wanted some details. How do you mean, missing?
    Bailey said, She's been kidnapped.
    The word hit him with surprising impact. Under Cupid's Rules of Love and War (Idiot's Edition), he technically shouldn't have given a damn. But he did. Kidnapped? By whom?
    We have no idea, said Bailey.
    Have you called the police?
    No, said Salazar. Like many wealthy South American families, the Salazars are no strangers to the threat of kidnappers. Rarely does it make sense to turn to the police in these situations.
    I can understand your view. But often there are good reasons to call the police.
    That's one of the reasons we called you, said Salazar. Your advice.
    I'll help in any way I can. Jack paused to measure his words, as this seemed like the appropriate time to clear the air on his unwitting adultery. Mr. Salazar, there's something I should probably -
    Hold that thought, said Bailey. I know you have to be back in trial by one o'clock, so please just let Mr. Salazar lay out the pertinent facts. We need your criminal-law expertise on one very specific point. Is that all right with you?
    Sure, said Jack.
    Thank you, said Salazar. Basically, I don't have a lot of information at this point. My wife went out last night with one of her girlfriends. I was dead tired. At around ten thirty, I went to sleep. When I woke up this morning, she'd already gone out for her run.
    What time was that? asked Jack.
    About seven.
    What did you do?
    Nothing, just then. But three hours later, she still wasn't home. I dialed her cell phone - she always carries it with her when she runs - and got no answer. Then I called her friend Emilia, but she didn't know anything. That's when I started to get worried.
    Jack couldn't help noting the absence of any emotion in Salazar's voice. Some people reacted that way to a crisis, but Jack wasn't sure about Salazar. Then what did you do?
    I searched the house, the yard, the garage. Didn't see anything. That's when I decided to check my computer.
    Your computer?
    Yes. My e-mail. I had a bad feeling about this. I had a sense that someone might have a note for me.
    You mean a ransom note?
    Of course. Like I said, my family has been touched by kidnapping before. My uncle, when he was on business in Brazil, to be precise.
    I'm sorry to hear that, said Jack. Did you find anything on the computer?
    This, said Bailey as he stepped forward and handed Jack a printed e-mail. We already checked out the source. It was a text message sent with a stolen wireless service. No way to trace it back to any specific person.
    Jack would have expected no less. He read to himself, quickly but carefully. The message was short and to the point:
    PAY ME WHAT SHE'S WORTH. Further instructions to follow.
    That's it? said Jack.
    That's the entire message, said Salazar. Ever seen anything like it?
    Jack laid the paper flat on the coffee table in front of him. He read it again and said, Can't say that I have. Then again, I prosecuted only two ransom cases at the U. S. attorney's office, and the kidnappers I defended on death row were never after money.
    Ever heard of anything like it?
    No. Often it takes kidnappers time to formulate a demand, particularly if they're politically motivated. But when the objective is purely monetary, the number is usually pretty specific. Sometimes unrealistic, but specific.
    Sounds like a hoax to me, said Bailey.
    Could be, said Jack. But until you can find out one way or the other, you need to make some threshold decisions. Number one, are you going to call the police?
    No police.
    Then you'll have to decide who your point person will be. The note says that instructions will follow. Presumably someone will have to communicate with the kidnapper on your behalf.
    I think William should do that, said Salazar.
    Your lawyer is a good choice, if he's willing.
    I chose him as a friend, not as a lawyer, said Salazar, his tone taking