“Attention.

I’m sorry this had to happen but I am in bad need of money and couldn’t get it any other way. Don’t tell anyone or go to the police about this because I am watching you closely. I am scared stiff and will kill the baby at your first wrong move.

Just put $2000 in small bills in a brown envelope and place it next to the signpost at the corner of Albemarle Road and Park Avenue at exactly 10 o’clock tomorrow morning. If everything goes smooth I will bring the baby back and leave him on the same corner safe and happy at exactly 12 noon.

No excuses, I can’t wait!

Signed, Your babysitter.”