This is today’s update on the Case of the Kidnapped Chick. Someone is pulling a huge prank on us and no one knows who is doing it. Here are the previous updates: 1, 2, 3, 3.1, & The Usual Suspects. If you want a run down of the potential suspects or a refresher of who's who, check out The Usual Suspects post.

I get the feeling that no one believes me, but this IS a crazy prank. At least one person knows the answer to this riddle, but beyond that, I have no clue if anyone else does. I repeat, this is not a marketing stunt, it is not a cheap way to create blog fodder – no, this is a bonafide mystery and we’re all along for the ride! And (in case you couldn’t gather) I am obsessed. Might need some sort of group counselling after this.

To refresh, we had this note left by the kidnapper yesterday:

Melissa kind of had one of those days that didn’t allow for much Kidnapped Chick type tasks. As a result, 4pm came and went. To my horror, she didn’t play the chicken dance or dance to the song as specified by the ransom note. Would this be the end of communication with the kidnapper?? Is the chick now doomed? Only time would tell.

I was held in suspense even longer today as Melissa wasn’t in until noon. I couldn’t stand it any longer and ventured to her desk to see if we were contacted.

Ah! Now we’ve gone and done it. No more clues or instructions! Will we hear from the kidnapper again?

Melissa states that she wants to take a stand and not negotiate. This deceptive person is not quite a terrorist, but maybe we do need to stand up for ourselves. What do I really think? She should just do the chicken dance today at 4pm.

A few staff members have begun to put forward a new suspect to add to our list: Teacher in Residence Lori-Ann. And also that she’s coordinated all of the interns to work with her on this. Often quiet, Lori-Ann is definitely one that has surprised people in the past – and maybe this is her biggest surprise yet. I’d mark her down as a medium level suspect.

Also! Shaun now needs the Polaroid camera this weekend and has put out an all staff email asking for the holder of it to return it to his desk. Is this just a ploy by Shaun to throw us off the path? Will the kidnapper return it? If they do, will they inadvertently leave behind any clues?

And the final wrinkle that will effect YOU! I’m out of the office (and province) on Monday and Tuesday. Two implications: 1) How will you find out what’s going on? 2) This is an opportunity to either vindicate myself or be the victim of a frame job. If all activity stops, I could be implicated. If contact continues, then obviously I’m not the one running the show here. If I can get reliable updates from the office, I may put up a few updates from abroad so you can remain up to date.

So who do YOU think is the culprit? Let me know on our Facebook Fan Page!