Chapter 9 Negotiating to Save a Life

Windy leaned closer, speaking in a voice so low only the two of them could hear, each word sharp and clear. "I know you don’t believe me, but I’ll prove it to you. Besides, I have no reason to lie to you." Ms. Susan’s pupils contracted. She clearly remembered the video the kidnappers had sent. She had seen it with her own eyes—her daughter stabbed to death and thrown into the sea. There couldn’t be any mistake. Then what was this? A chilling sense of dread washed over her, as if she were being pulled into some giant conspiracy. Yet deep within, a tiny flame of hope flickered stubbornly to life. Maybe her daughter really was still alive.