- [first lines]
- Narrator: Knowledge of a criminal's modus operandi, M.O., is a major element in law enforcement. The rapid analysis and distribution to all police agencies of any newly-discovered M.O. is of the utmost importance. Through the last few months, two men specializing in market robberies used an M.O. with a new and vicious angle: To ensure co-operation of the store manager, a member of his family was held at gunpoint by one of the men, while the other committed the robbery. The robbery completed, the criminals made good use of their hostage, taking her to a spot on a lonely road, necessitating at least a 20-minute walk to the nearest telephone, giving them ample time to return to their own car and close out their trail.
- [last lines]
- Dan Mathews: You all right, Mrs. Austin?
- Sergeant Ken Williams: [to Mrs. Austin] I had to grab you pretty hard. I'm sorry.
- Ruth Austin: 'Tsall right. I never felt better in my life. You know, for a minute there, I didn't think I was gonna live through it.
- Dan Mathews: Oh, Mrs. Austin, um, have you got a telephone?
- Ruth Austin: I sure do.
- Dan Mathews: Do you mind if I use it?
- Ruth Austin: No.
- Dan Mathews: Thanks.