Gillian looked woeful and did not answer.  Harshaw went on gently, "I am forced to say that I think it is extremely likely that Ben is dead.  He has been gone too long.  But we've agreed to assume that he is alive - until we know otherwise.  Now you intend to look for him.  Gillian, can you tell me how you will go about this?  Without increasing the risk that Ben will be done away with by the unknown party or parties who kidnapped him?"