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After they had finished talking separately they came together and began to share their ideas. They decided that they would sneak through the house and get out a back door A.J. saw when they were coming up. To get out of the room they were going to try and get the door off the hinges. If that didn’t work they were going out the window. Once outside the house they would sneak around to the back of the house and try and get out the back gate. If it was guarded they would go over the fence. “I think that’s a pretty good plan.” Howie approved. Kevin looked at him and said, “Do we have to have your approval before we can escape?” Howie tried not to laugh and then answered. “Of course. No one can escape without me!” The girls rolled their eyes and finished talking about what to do once they were outside the gate. “What now bigshot?” Gina asked Howie. Howie thought for a minute and then replied. “Well I guess we’ll start running and stay in the woods and try and find somewhere to call.” A.J. held up his hand and told them to stop talking. “I think I hear something.” Quickly and quietly the girls and A.J. went to pretend like they were asleep and Kevin, Howie and Nick stayed where they were and started talking about cars. The footsteps grew louder and then they stopped in front of their door. The door was unlocked and opened and John and Andy stood in the doorway. “Get up and let’s go.” Andy hollered to those who were ‘asleep.’ They all stood up and then he continued. “We’re going to have a quick breakfast and then have a little meeting with Joe.” They were ushered out the door and they followed John down the steps and into a dining room where Joe was sitting and eating some breakfast. “Well, good morning! I’m glad to see you made it through the night.” He told them as they walked in and sat down. For breakfast they were given some cereal, a piece of fruit, and something to drink. After they had finished eating they were led into another room and told to sit down. Joe went to get some papers and then came in and also sat down. “Shall we start this meeting?” He asked. They nodded. There was no point in it because they all knew why they were here, but they nodded anyway.
“Let’s see. What should we talk about first?” Joe mumbled to himself. He pulled out the first sheet of paper. “You probably want to know why you’re here.” He paused and waited for them to nod again, which they did. “One word sums it all up… money. You’re here so we can get some ransom money. Lot’s of it too. So let me tell you how we’re going to get that money. First one of you is going to call your manager or someone you can get money from and tell them what you want. You must absolutely not tell where you are, or say our names. Actually, you don’t even know where you are so that wouldn’t help. Anyway, Tell them you’re fine and just need the money to get out. I will give you a time and a place to tell them where to put the money. After that we’ll get the money and then let you go, unharmed.” When finished his speech and said unharmed Andy snickered. Joe looked up and glared at him and he quickly turned and whispered something to John. “Do we have any questions?” Joe asked. Liz raised her hand timidly. “Yes.” She cleared her throat nervously. “Which one of us is calling and when are we going to do that?” Joe smiled, “Very good question young lady. I haven’t decided who will call but I think it should be one of the boys since it’s their manager and they’re the main reason you’re here. The actual plan was just to get them, but since you were in the car with them you had to come too. As soon as we decide who will call, then we’ll do it.” Liz glanced over at Nick, and he smiled at her reassuringly. Joe clapped his hands together and heather and Gina jumped. “Who wants to volunteer to call?” No one said anything or raised their hand. “Andy why don’t you pick?” Andy looked delighted at this and chose Nick. Then he followed Joe into another room to make the phone call. The minutes seemed like hours while he was gone and when he finally returned he looked a little worn out. “You may now go up to your rooms and wait until I call on you. Lunch and dinner will be served to your room.” Once again they were taken up the steps and into their room. As soon as the sound of footsteps disappeared Nick told them when the men would get the money. “He told me to say bring the money to some gas station about 10 miles from here. This will take place tomorrow morning at 9. We have to get out tonight and get back in time to stop them from giving Joe the money and call the police.” Howie stood up and walked over to the door to examine it. “What will we do until then?” Heather asked. “Sleep. We will be out all night so we should probably get some sleep.” Howie told her. Kevin nodded. “I guess that’s what we’ll do then. I don’t think we’ll have to keep watch this time though.” Nick nodded. They all moved around until they had found a comfortable spot ad tried to go to sleep. Gina usually had a hard time going to sleep during that day because it was light outside, but since the windows were covered it was no problem. None of them woke up until they heard the banging on the door 5 hours later.