As soon as you carry out your kidnapping and pay the money, my son will be released. As soon as your target kidnaps someone and pays the ransom, your daughter will be released. It's that simple.”
-- Heather (chapter 3)

Importance: Heather is explaining to Rachel how The Chain works.

Given all the evil people in the world with unbalanced karmic checkbooks, why has this happened to her, especially after everything she's been through the past couple of years?”
-- Narrator (chapter 6)

Importance: Rachel is expressing the idea that she has had her share of problems recently, including a divorce and cancer. The idea of a “karmic checkbooks” is typical of how this author refers to characters and situations.

The decision's been made. If they have to kidnap someone to get her back, he'll do it. If he has to kill someone to get her back, he'll do it.”
-- Narrator (chapter 21)

Importance: Ginger counts on people having this attitude, which is why...