Despite being rich, Phil Bruner never anticipated his daughter’s kidnapping.

“We paid the ransom but then they demanded a second payment,” Bruner said.

“That’s typical,” Detective Mahoney nodded.

He eyed the briefcase.

“That the cash for the next payment?”

“Yeah, but now I’m really scared because they said “no cops” so we didn’t call. What if they’re watching the house, and also…how’d you find out?”

“The bank called. Large cash withdrawals/nervous customers. It’s standard procedure.”

Bruner paled. “We never went to the bank.”

Mahoney whipped out a .45 and grabbed the briefcase.

“Even better. And don’t forget—no cops.”



Prompt: I thought I could trust them