Chapter 12
Narrative continued
My luncheon was interrupted today by a short note from Miss Hanson. It appears the ransom was merely a ruse to extort money from the Hanson family. An opportunist had learned of the family’s misfortune and sought to make a tidy sum from his knowledge. He exploited their hopes that Lawrence may still be found alive. I know these are extraordinary times we live in, but I am not certain that a case of extortion will be prosecuted very zealously right now. Even though Lawrence Hanson is or was a government employee it appears he left of his own free will. If he had in fact been kidnapped, and then tortured to reveal government secrets, his kidnappers would, of course, have faced treason charges against the United States government. In wartime this would be a capital offense. Now I am afraid this event if it was reported (Miss Hanson’s quaint note does not specify this in its rambling, feminine way) would be dealt with as a somewhat more criminal prank resulting in a fine.
I wonder if my old acquaintance James Forsythe has learned of the ransom note. He has a tendency to be quick tempered and at times overly judgmental. Perhaps I will keep this news to myself at present.