"We've thought about this for a long time," Ronnie said. "We gave Mr. Dendy an opportunity to accept us, and he refused. This is the only way out for us. I meant what I said. Sabra and I would rather die-"
"I don't think they're convinced."
"Huh?" He looked at Tiel, who had interrupted him.
Doc also turned to her, equally surprised by her statement.
"I bet they think you're bluffing."
An idea had first occurred to her earlier, when Ronnie was trying to convince Galloway that all the hostages were safe, including Agent Cain. She'd temporarily shelved the notion while assisting Sabra with the breast-feeding. Now it took another foothold in her mind and was expanding even as she vocalized it.
"For them to feel the impact of your decision, they need to understand how serious you are."
"I've told them," Ronnie said.
"But seeing is believing."
"What are you suggesting?" This from Doc.
"There's media out there. I'm sure a camera crew from my station is among them. Let's get a cameraman in here to record you." The boy was listening. She drove home her point. "We see how earnest you are," she said, indicating the others. "But it's impossible to convey your sincerity over the telephone. If Galloway could see you when you speak, see that Sabra is in total agreement, then I think he, your father, and Mr. Dendy would give more credence to what you're saying."
"You mean I'd be on TV?" Donna asked, sounding pleased at the prospect.
Ronnie's lower lip was getting brutalized by his upper teeth. "Sabra, what do you think?"
"I don't know," she said with uncertainty.
"Another thing," Tiel argued, "if Mr. Dendy could see his granddaughter, he might back down altogether. You claim to be more afraid of him than you are of the FBI."
"We are. He's a lot more ruthless."
"But he's a human being. Video pictures of Katherine would be powerfully persuasive. Up till now she's been just 'the baby,' a symbol of your rebellion against him. A video would make her real to him, cause him to rethink his position. And with your father and Agent Galloway working on him, I believe he would weaken and capitulate."
"Agent Galloway is not going to compromise on the Bureau's policy." Cain might just as well have saved his breath because no one heeded him or his comment.
"What do you say?" Tiel asked. "Isn't it worth a try? You don't want to kill us, Ronnie. And you don't want to kill Sabra and yourself, either. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."
"I'm not just blowing smoke!"
Tiel pounced on his emotional outburst. "Good! That's exactly what they need to see and hear. Use the videotape to convince them that you do not intend to back down."
He was struggling with indecision. "Sabra, what do you think?"
"Maybe we should, Ronnie." She glanced down at the child sleeping in her arms. "What Doc said about the legacy we leave Katherine… If there's another way out of this, isn't it worth a try at least?"
Tiel held her breath. She was near enough to Doc to tell that he was as taut as a piano wire.
"Okay," Ronnie said tersely. "One guy can come in. And you'd better tell them not to pull any tricks like they did with him," he said, gesturing toward Cain.
Tiel exhaled shakily. "Even if they tried, I wouldn't let them. If a crew from my station isn't here yet, we'll wait for one. Unless I recognize the videographer, he doesn't come in, okay? I give you my word." She turned to Cain.
"How can I contact Galloway?"
"I don't-"
"Don't give me any bullshit. What's the number?"
CHAPTER 10