‘Given the number of killings so far, I think there’s a high chance that the police would alert the Counter Terrorism Command.’ ‘And for how long do you think the terrorist community in the UK would remain ignorant of that?’ ‘All right, Frank. Let’s analyse this theoretically,’ said Boxer. ‘That way you don’t have to admit to the knowledge. If she is being held by terrorists, what is their motivation?’ ‘Well, it could still be financial. I know you dispute this. That this doesn’t conform to your kidnap model. But there’s a big difference in negotiating techniques if you’re aiming for two hundred thousand or want to achieve, say, fifty million, which was the figure mentioned to Isabel in the first phone call.’ ‘I’m sure you’ve heard of that annoying corporate expression, “thinking outside the box”, but that’s what I want you to do for me,’ said Boxer. ‘You’re firmly in the box of financial gain. We have to look at all the possibilities. The kidnapper’s behaviour, with all his teasing and psychoanalysis, makes me think his ultimate intention is to punish you.
