Paul could hear the sounds of movement and doors opening and closing. Another cupboard closed on the far side of the kitchen, but Paul could see nothing but the back of the refrigerator and three inches of daylight in his peripheral vision. There was an extended silence, and for a moment Paul thought the man might have left the kitchen. Then he heard a voice and knew he had been found. “Mr. Braddock, move slowly as you come out from behind the refrigerator.” The man spoke with an eastern European accent, and the voice was deep and chilling. “He’s in here,” the same voice spoke loudly, to others in the house. That voice spoke again to Paul. “Move slowly and keep your hands in my view. You must do what I say if you wish your wife to survive today.”
Paul’s heart sank. They had Beth. She hadn
