Summary

Chapter Eighteen was titled “Ransom.” Amanda writes that she understood that kidnapping was a serious business and that kidnappers saw foreigners as “comparatively rich.” Amanda's family was notified of her situation by a radio journalist. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police became involved and tapped the phone lines. Amanda's family members were urged to ignore the media in the hope that the story would die out quickly, eliminating the possibility of causing more problems for Amanda. If contacted by the kidnappers, Amanda's parents were told to say they had no money and that their government wouldn't pay a ransom. Amanda and Nigel were told the ransom might be as much as two million dollars. They were stunned. Amanda and Nigel were told they would be killed in a matter of days unless the ransom was paid.

One of the soldiers was named Jamal and...