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“And you said you work at Sybaritic Investments?”

“Yes, I’m in charge of acquisitions.”

“Considering your… heightened financial position, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that you might receive a ransom demand,” said Summers.

Nash looked perplexed. “Kidnapping and ransom? Does that even happen anymore?”

Summers said, “Unfortunately, it does. Fortunately, not nearly as often. Although with electronic funds, crypto, whatnot, the kidnapper no longer has to worry about plucking a bag of cash out of a trash can or it being embedded with explosive dye.”

“Well, I’ve gotten no ransom demand.”

“Make sure you let us know if you do. If it is a kidnapping we’ll want to call in the FBI.”

At the mention of the Bureau’s name Nash felt his gut tighten.

“You okay, Mr. Nash?” asked Ramos, who, Nash had observed, did not miss much.

“I’m just trying to process this nightmare.”

“We understand, sir. We know it’s not easy and we’re doing all we can to get her back safe and sound. So if you receive any communication from anyone about your daughter let us know immediately.”

“What will you do now?”

“We’ll go over the forensics. We have officers canvassing the neighborhood, and we’ll speak to the list of her friends you provided.”

“Good, good,” Nash said absently.

“We’d like to get into her social media accounts.”

“She’s on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.”

“You wouldn’t happen to know her account info and passwords?” asked Ramos.

“No. She might have them on her phone but I can’t get into that, either.”

“We’ll need to get a warrant.”

“You do whatever you need to do to find my daughter.”

CHAPTER

43

AFTER THE DETECTIVES LEFT, NASHwent to his study and texted Agent Morris. He couldn’t tell the police this, but it had instantly occurred to Nash that his daughter’s disappearance might be tied to what he was doing with the FBI.

Remarkably, at this hour of the night, Morris texted right back: I will call in two minutes.

The phone buzzed 120 seconds later.

“Tell me everything,” said Morris.

Nash did and then waited.

“You’re sure she wouldn’t have gone on her own?”

“And breaking in the back door on her way out?” said an incredulous Nash. “And leaving her car, phone, wallet, and laptop behind?”

“Okay, let me look into this and I’ll get back to you. Keep your eyes and ears open. Anyone contacts you, let me know.” He clicked off before Nash could say anything else.