The Kidnapping

by Aiden Vaughan

  “I have to agree that it makes no sense right now, Mr. Hunter, but there has to be something in your past that triggered this. Somebody sure knew a lot about your business operations for the whole ransom scheme to work.”

  “Yes, but why go to all that trouble and then only ask for $50,000 like it was an afterthought. That envelope I was given would have held two or three times more cash.”

  “It still might be possible that Jason’s kidnapping was a mistake. A misidentification that wasn’t recognized until the middle of the week. That might explain the change in his treatment and why the kidnappers seemed to bail out at the end. It might also explain why you weren’t contacted right away. Maybe the kidnappers were actually contacting someone else...like the family of the boy they thought they had grabbed.”

  “All I can say is that I sure am grateful that Jason was released. Maybe someone did intervene on his behalf like the note said. That’s the only thing we know right now that makes any sense of the perpetrators’ actions at the end.”

  “I have to admit that Jason’s case has been a tough nut to crack. Unless there is some break in what we know, I fear it might never be solved. But let’s work on what you came here to do...make the right statement for the media.”

  “I don’t know where to start, Lieutenant. There doesn’t seem to be a motive, we certainly don’t want to humiliate Jason with a complete description of how he was tortured by his kidnappers, and we don’t want to make them look like kidnappers with a heart because they released him with an apology and a discounted ransom.”

  Lt. Garcia thought a moment then said, “I think the best approach is to go Joe Friday. You know, ‘Just the facts, ma’am. Just the facts.’ ”

  “You mean keep it short and simple? Just give the bare minimum of information?” asked Mr. Hunter.

  “Exactly. How about if we say something like: Fourteen-year-old Jason Hunter was taken Monday from City Park by kidnappers who were able to drug him with a paralyzing dart. Then they walked him to a van where he was taken away, most likely out of the city. Jason was kept in a basement cellar during the time of his captivity. Fearing the pursuit of the police, the kidnappers avoided all contact with the Hunter family until Friday, when they were able to get a ransom note to Mr. Hunter at his office. After payment of the ransom, Jason was delivered back to a City Park maintenance building. He was found there later by one of his friends who had been contacted by the kidnappers on Jason’s cell phone. By all accounts, Jason acquitted himself bravely while in custody of the kidnappers. He is now in the process of recovering from his captivity. The Hunter family would greatly appreciate it if he could do so without having to go through interviews or additional questioning that would force him to relive his ordeal. If anyone has additional information about this case or saw anything pertinent in City Park on Monday or Friday, please contact the police hot line...”

  “I think that sounds like a good outline,” Bill said. “The problem could be the question and answer session afterwards.”

  “That is always the case. Our media is pretty aggressive, but I think that they would be sympathetic to the idea that Jason has suffered enough already and needs some space. It also might help if you could compose a family statement to be released at the same time. This would diffuse their need for an interview with you or Mrs. Hunter.”

  “Okay.” Bill grabbed paper and pen and began writing.

  When finished, he showed it to the lieutenant who read it out aloud so they both could hear it: “The Hunter family is grateful to the authorities for their efforts to recover Jason and to our friends for their support during this very difficult time. Jason is now recovering from the ordeal of his captivity. He wishes to express his thanks for everyone’s thoughts and prayers this past week.”

  They both agreed the statement was brief and to the point.

  * * *

  Around eleven that morning, Lt. Garcia presided over a brief press conference. There was a good crowd, with all the local network television affiliates present, reporters from the San Jose and San Francisco newspapers, plus a couple of reporters from the news radio stations. Lt. Garcia introduced himself and then read the two prepared statements from the police and Jason’s family.

  Then the lieutenant announced, “I will now take questions from the floor.”

  The Channel 5 reporter asked the first question: “Could you repeat all the names of the family members?”

  With a smile Lt. Garcia repeated the names and then spelled them for accuracy.

  Next, Channel 4’s reporter then asked: “You said that Jason was taken right from City Park in broad daylight. How was this possible?”

  “We believe that the kidnappers must have been in hiding near the exit and were lucky that no one else was around or saw them when they attacked Jason. When we examined that area of the park on Monday, we saw no signs of a struggle anywhere. After the kidnappers hit Jason with the dart, evidently they just walked him to a waiting vehicle.”

  Channel 4 followed up by saying, “So, just like that, a young teenager was grabbed and taken away in a few seconds?”

  “Apparently so,” Garcia replied.

  News Talk Radio then asked, “Do you think our streets are no longer safe for our children any more?”

  “As I told you yesterday, it is difficult to stop a determined criminal if they choose to commit a crime, even in broad daylight. We advise parents to be vigilant and we try to provide training to young people through school assemblies and other outreach programs. Although the training couldn’t help Jason at the time of his attack, it did help him later during his captivity to survive his ordeal,” explained Lt. Garcia.

  Channel 11 asked, “Could you describe what you mean by Jason’s ordeal? What was his captivity like?”

  “Again, the Hunter family and I are requesting that you cut Jason some slack here. He is a minor and has been through a very difficult time.”

  “Understood,” Channel 11 continued, “but could you give us a little more idea of what he went through?”

  “Well, you already know that he was drugged with the dart and perhaps tranquillizers later. He was also tied up most of the time and kept isolated in a basement room until yesterday when he was brought back to City Park.”

  The San Jose paper then asked, “Usually kidnappings for ransom involve high profile wealthy families. By all accounts we have been able to find, the Hunters are just a typical, Silicon Valley family, living comfortably, but not wealthy or high-profile in the community. Why do you think the kidnappers targeted their son instead of the offspring of a well-known, top-ten CEO?”

  Lt Garcia shuffled some pagers then replied, “That still is one of the unanswered questions in this investigation. It could be that the kidnappers were targeting someone else and took him by mistake. That might explain why he was returned so suddenly on Friday. Or, the kidnappers had misinformation and perhaps thought the Hunters were a lot wealthier than they actually are. Until we catch them, we won’t know for sure.”

  San Jose paper followed up by asking, “Do you have any leads or ideas as to who the kidnappers actually are?”

  “I can’t comment on that right now. This is still an open investigation, although we are very pleased that the young victim has been returned to his family.”

  Channel 7 was next and asked, “You said in your statement that the kidnappers contacted one of Jason’s friends to find him when he was released. Do you have any idea why Jason would be released to a teenaged friend instead of his parents, who, I assume, paid a ransom for him?”

  “It is unusual. Even Jason’s friend doing the rescue said it was unusual. My guess is that the kidnappers were taking great lengths to stay away from the police and wanted to ensure more time for their getaway.”

  After a couple more brief questions about details, the press conference was ended.

  The consensus among the reporters was that this seemed to be a very strange case, quite unlike what they usually would hear in a kid
napping. Although most news media had long-standing policies to leave minor victims alone, especially when requested to by the parents, their editors had told them that if it was possible, this time, to find out more about what was going on. They were told to find out more about the Hunter family business and/or financial resources. Also, to see if they could talk to or interview some of Jason’s friends—especially the friend who had been called on to rescue Jason when he was released.

  As one editor told his reporter, “I’m sure that kid has a lot more information than was being revealed at the press conference.”

  CHAPTER 21

  THE COUNSELING SESSION

  (Saturday)

  Jason woke up Saturday morning about 7:30, after a restless night. When the nurse checked on him, she told him there was a shower down the hall he could use. After finishing his shower, Jason put on his regular clothes. It was great to be free and he wasn’t going to wear the flimsy hospital gown any more since there wasn’t really anything wrong with him other than the cuts and bruises that were now healing nicely.

  The previous evening had been uneventful, just spent visiting with his parents. His mom had absolutely refused to leave him Friday evening and so ended up asleep on the other bed in his room. She was more exhausted than Jason. The stress of the long week had taken its toll on her as much as on him.

  Bill Hunter was the errand guy, taking Daniel home, picking up some things for Jason and Edith from their home, arranging for food delivery from the hospital cafeteria, and even remembering to pick up a couple of candy bars for Jason. They ended up watching television in the room, curious to see how the news media would present his story. Actually, there was very minimal coverage, mostly just the brief statement that Lt. Garcia had made at the rescue site. Then they watched some mindless adventure movie on a cable station. As soon as the movie was over, Bill left for home. He was equally exhausted and was really looking forward to a good night’s sleep for the first time in a week. Plus, he had that appointment with Lt. Garcia in the morning.

  Dr. Cartwright stopped by about 8:30 a.m. and examined Jason. “Looks like you are doing great. I don’t think I need to put on bandages, as everything seems to be healing nicely. Do you have any places that still hurt? Any headaches or dizziness?”

  Jason replied, “No.”

  The doctor said, “I should know the results of your blood tests later this morning. As soon as I do, if everything checks out, then you will be released from the hospital. See you later.”

  While Cartwright was with Jason, Edith had gotten up and dressed. When the doctor left, they decided to go down to the cafeteria for some breakfast. Edith told Jason, “After we eat, you know you have your counseling session. When Dr. Socorro arrives, I will take a cab home and get things ready there. Your father will come here and wait for you to finish your hospital business. Then he will check you out and bring you home. Tonight, we’ll have a feast to celebrate your coming home!”

  * * *

  Dr. Eileen Socorro arrived at Jason’s room around 9:15 a.m. She was very striking in appearance, with olive skin, dark facial features, beautiful long chestnut-colored hair, and a thousand watt smile.

  “Good morning, I’m Dr. Eileen Socorro, and you must be Jason and Mrs. Hunter.”

  “Hello, I’m Edith Hunter. Thank you for adjusting your schedule to fit him in and being willing to come here to the hospital. I know you would prefer to use your own office. Dr. Cartwright has raved about you, so I hope that you can help Jason. I’m going to leave you now and head home. My husband, Bill, will come here to meet you and Jason after your session. Then he will take him home when he is released from the hospital.”

  Dr. Socorro smiled again and said, “I hope I can assist such a handsome looking young man. He doesn’t seem to need any help in the looks department!” Jason blushed on hearing that. “Edith, don’t worry about a thing. I think Jason and I will hit it off just fine. Take it easy, and be sure to take care of yourself. I’m sure this past week has been absolutely miserable for you.”

  After Mrs. Hunter left, and they got seated, Dr. Socorro began by saying, “Before we start talking about you, I want to ask if you know exactly what it is that I do?”

  “I understand that you are a psychologist and you help people deal with their minds and mental processes.”

  “That’s a pretty good definition. So you are handsome and smart. I think that we are going to get a lot accomplished today. Are there any particular questions that you would like to start with?”

  “Dr. Cartwright said that I would go through a series of different emotional states as part of the recovery. What exactly did he mean?”

  “What he meant was that whenever someone is exposed to a very stressful and life-threatening situation, as you were, sometimes the events that happened to you are so difficult to deal with emotionally, that your mind creates mental images, states, or event scenarios to cope with the memory of it. Sometimes, the event is so painful that the mind completely blocks it out. Extreme cases of this are called amnesia. In other cases, the mind will play these images over and over again until the person is able to understand or at least come to grips with why it happened the way it did. Or, the event could remain hidden in your subconscious and reoccur as daydreams or nightmares. Your mind can be very creative in seeing the events in different ways. Your actions were courageous, or your actions were an embarrassment, or the thought of your actions may cause you sorrow, or great anger. Or your mind sees the whole event as such a horrible thing that even the mention of it by others is humiliating. This would be especially true when a person must do something morally degrading or something that causes him to lose all self-respect in order to survive.”

  “How long does it take for these images to get resolved?” Jason asked.

  “Recovery time is different for everyone. For some people, those who are not afraid to look objectively at themselves, their self-doubt about their actions can resolve itself quickly and eventually the mind pushes it out of the way or into the background. Others, especially if they do not receive any counseling or help from anyone, can never get it out of their minds, and they can even go on to actually perpetrate the same acts on new victims.

  “Jason, I want you to know that I have read through your statement to the police already. That was part of the deal in order to have this appointment right away. So I have a pretty good idea already of what you have been through. You were put through some pretty frightening experiences for anyone, much less a fourteen-year-old boy. I am sure everyone has been telling you how brave you were, and you were. But now your mind is starting to doubt that.”

  “I’m starting to feel some guilt already that I have put everyone I know through a horrendous time.”

  “That is a common reaction among kidnap victims. In a way, it’s like you cheated death, and got to see how all of your friends and family would behave at your funeral service. Just remember that part of the strength of love is being able to survive through adversity. You feel guilty because you put all these people who love you to the test. They passed the test so how do you respond? You respond by reaching out to them, because you have seen how your life has already touched them. Now you have a chance to do something positive for them, a way to return that love and affection.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “All you need to do is give them simple gifts: your time, when they need companionship, your assistance when they help, your laughter when they need cheering up, and your support when they have their times of crisis.”

  “Yes, I think I understand that. Yesterday, my friend Daniel asked me what to say to our friends who were contacted when I went missing. He felt he should call each one back to relay the news that I was safe and asked me if I had any message for them. I asked him to tell everyone how much their friendship means to me. Before, it was something I took for granted until it was taken away. Now I know how important their thoughts and prayers were to my very survival.”

  “What a
wonderful thing to say and a great thought to share with your friends, Jason. You are very mature for your age. No wonder everyone was so upset when you went missing.

  “But now we need to spend a little time on your own personal demons. Clearly, you have a good base of support from your family and friends. Now we should look at things building up inside you that only you can deal with. Let me start by asking how you were able to sleep last night? Was your sleep sound, or did you toss and turn, or have any nightmares?”

  “I was somewhat restless...maybe from all of the inaction and sitting around. I woke up several times and vaguely remember having a nightmare, I think.”

  “I am afraid that these nightmares may continue for a while until your mind sorts out the violence that was done to you. I was appalled to read the things that they did to you. Much of it seemed to be aimed at humiliating you over and over again.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They kept you tied up just about the entire time. Sometimes you were completely tied up and the rest of the time you were on a hobble leash, like a farm animal. That was a form of humiliation. Then all of the gags. You were gagged even when drugged and then later your captor put a ball-gag in your mouth for hours at a time for no apparent reason. That was another way to humiliate you. Same thing with your blindfold. They made you wear it all the time on your head and then have it ready to cover your eyes instantly when they wanted to come into your cell. They took your clothes away and gave you only a pair of gym shorts to wear for several days.

  “Jason, I know this is unpleasant to talk about, but I don’t think your mind has figured out how to process this yet, and someday your complete recovery from this ordeal will require that these humiliating images be erased or at least put into perspective. The important question here is the why. Why was this done to you?”

  “I don’t understand the why of this either. I never did anything to deserve this.”