That we gave him a level of freedom compatible with his level of maturity and responsibility."

Myron looked over at Bucky. Bucky's head was lowered.

"If that's the case "

"That's the case."

"But don't responsible kids tell their parents where they're going? I mean, just to make sure they don't worry."

Linda Coldren took out a glass with too much care.

She set it on the counter and slowly poured herself some lemonade. "Chad has learned to be very independent,"

she said as the glass filled. "His father and I are both professional golfers. That means, quite frankly, that nei-ther one of us is home very often."

"Your being away so much," Myron said. "Has it led to tension?"

Linda Coldren shook her head. "This is useless."

"I'm just trying "

"Look, Mr. Bolitar, Chad did not fake this. Yes, he's a teenager. No, he's not perfect, and neither are his parents.

But he did not fake his own kidnapping. And if he did - I

know he didn't, but let's just pretend for the sake of argument that he did then he is safe and we do not need you.

If this is some kind of cruel deception, we'll learn it soon enough. But if my son is in danger, then following this line of thought is a waste of time I can ill afford."

Myron nodded. She had a point. "I understand," he said.

' 'Good. ' '

, "Have you called his friend since you heard from the kidnapper? The one you thought he might've been staying with'?' '

"Matthew Squires, yes."

"Did Matthew have any idea where he was?"

' 'None. ' '

"They're close friends, right?"

"Yes.' '

"Very close?"

She frowned. "Yes, very."

"Does Matthew call here a lot'?"

"Yes. Or they talk by E-mail."

"I'll need Matthew's phone number,' ' Myron said.

"But I just told you I spoke to him already."

"Humor me," Myron said. "Okay, now let's back up a second. When was the last time you saw Chad'?' '

"The day he disappeared.' '

"What happened?"

She frowned again. ' 'What do you mean, what happened? He left for summer school. I haven't seen him since.' '

Myron studied her. She stopped and looked back at him a little too steadily. Something here was not adding up. "Have you called the school," he asked, "to see if he was there that day?"

"l didn't think of it."

Myron checked his watch. Friday. Five P. M. ' 'I doubt anyone will still be there, but give it a shot. Do you have more than one phone line?' '

' 'Yes.' '

' 'Don't call on the line the kidnapper called in on. I

don't want the line tied up in case he calls back."

She nodded. "Okay."

' 'Does your son have any credit cards or ATM cards or anything like that'?' ' +

' 'Yes."

' 'I'll need a list. And the numbers, if you have them."

She nodded again.