Goldengirl

Goldine made headlines last month, when she raced to U.S. records for 100 and 200 metres in qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team. She also qualified in a third event, the 400 metres, which makes her the first U.S. girl to attempt this triple in the Olympics. Prior to the Trials, she was almost unknown as a runner.

Dr. Serafin today described how he escorted Goldine to the airport from the house in Cleveland where they have been staying with friends. ‘I saw her into the plane, a light aircraft, red and white in colour,’ he said. ‘I actually lifted her baggage aboard.’

When Goldine failed to return to Cleveland Wednesday night, Dr. Serafin assumed she had been delayed in New York and made arrangements to stop overnight in a hotel. It was late Thursday afternoon, when she had still not contacted him, that he thought of phoning the U.S. Olympic Committee, and heard from Murray Randal that she had not reported for the medical. Dr. Serafin then informed Cleveland Police of her disappearance.

Heading the inquiry in Cleveland is Police Captain Sam Mortenson. ‘It’s too early to be definite, but we’re working on the possibility that she has been kidnaped,’ he said this morning. ‘This girl is big news, with the Olympics coming up in ten days. Her abductors could believe they have a strong bargaining position. People with a big interest in the Olympics might be persuaded to put up a ransom so that Goldine can compete.’

Dryden didn’t read any more. He crossed the hall to the telephones, found the Cleveland book, looked up the Thomas Jefferson College, and stabbed out the number. In seconds he was speaking to Serafin: ‘Look, I just saw a paper. Is this true? She really is missing?’

‘Unhappily, yes,’ said Serafin. His voice was strained. ‘There’s no news of her. The police are waiting for a ransom demand. When I picked up the phone we thought perhaps...’

It was a clear warning to watch what he said. The police had a tap on the phone.

‘I’ve just arrived at Kennedy Airport,’ said Dryden. ‘If there’s anything I can do to help...’

‘Not at this stage,’ said Serafin. ‘It’s in the hands of the police.’

‘I understand. Do they think she got to New York?’

‘Probably not. They’re proceeding on the supposition that the pilot of the air taxi was implicated. I gave them a detailed description, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone like that known to the other pilots.’

‘You walked into a trap?’

‘It seems so. Listen, if I should get any news, can I contact you?’

‘Through my New York office,’ said Dryden. He gave him the number. ‘It looks as though I’ll be here till August sixteenth, or thereabouts. When does the team fly out?’

‘August ninth.’

‘Christ, I hope you hear something soon. This can’t be helping her preparation for the Games.’

‘Leave me to worry about that,’ said Serafin tersely. ‘There’s nothing you or any of my friends can do. It’s a police matter. Don’t let it interfere with your visit to New York. I’m confident we shall hear something soon. I must ring off now. I don’t want to miss the call if it comes.’