Chapter 4

Amanda stared at the wall, desperate for answers, the worry overwhelming her. Many questions were spinning round in her mind; Why? Who? Will I ever see them again?

" Amanda? Amanda? Are you okay?" Jesse instantly cursed himself, of course she is not okay you idiot, her kids have just been snatched!

" Oh hi Jess, how's Mark?" Amanda queried. Jesse could tell her mind wasn't quite in gear. Shock.

" He will be fine, just a bump on the head and mild concussion. He'll live. But more importantly, how are you holding out?"

" As good as can be expected. Has forensics found anything? Any clue at all?" Desperation becoming more and more evident in her voice.



Steve slammed his phone down in frustration. No leads, no clues, not even a registration plate or something a simple as a strand of hair. Nothing.

" Steve. We might have got a lead. It's pretty slim though. But it is still a chance." Tanis, his partner, informed him. She continued once she had his attention, " It is a partial and faint tyre mark. It was found about 20m from the entrance gates. They must have skidded on the way out. We're sending it to forensics for matching. It looks like it came from the saloon you described."

" Thanks Tanis. I'll inform Amanda and the others."

" Steve, don't worry, they WILL come home safe. You'll see."



Jesse put the phone down, a smile forming on his face. " Amanda, they found a clue. It might not be solid but it's a start."

" What kind of clue? What do you mean ' not solid ' ?"

" It is a partial tyre print from a saloon similar to the one that they kidnappers were driving."

" So in other words it's like clutching at straws. No sure answer or lead."

Jesse hesitated, " Yes, I suppose so."

" So were back at square one aren't we. We're getting nowhere."

" I'd better go and check on Mark, see if he's woken up yet." And with that Amanda strode out of the room, her eyes stinging as she cried tears of acid.

" Amanda wait, there's more." Jesse stopped as she disappeared around the corner of the hallway, " There's more."