Dominick “Just a call? No pictures sent or anything for proof of life?” I asked them. I could tell that Uncle Julian also put me on speaker for Mom to hear me. “No. But we heard someone being gagged, trying to say something in the background. We really thought it was you, Nick!” Uncle Julian said. I began to pace anxiously, thoughts reeling. Cold fear gripped my spine, knowing instinctively that it was Tim those kidnappers must have taken. What if they realized it wasn’t me? Would they kill him instantly? I hoped not. “No, no, no. That must be Tim! He used my car today, and he hasn’t returned it yet. I’m worried sick about him because he promised he’d give it back tonight. But until now, he’s not here y