The thing Lane always hated was how folks assumed that people in his line of work didn't have a heart at all. Sure, he'd snatched a brat or two from their parents in a crowded market. Sure, he'd cheated so many Poker buddies and conned so many family members that his credit was no good anywhere. But, if all went according to plan, no one died when he was doing his job... which was more than the average soldier, guard, or hero could say. Besides, nothing teaches someone to appreciated their loves ones like a brick through the window wrapped in a blood-smeared note. 'Kidnapper' was such an ugly word. He liked to think of himself as a specialist in reunions. Instinct: to ransom

• Conceal motives with cheerful banter
• Create a diversion
• Manipulate the bonds of friendship or trust for personal gain
• Accidentally bond with captive