The problem is, I have two ways to work "the boss" into the picture;

1. one of the minions is successful at kidnapping someone.
2. "the boss" gets fed up of minions failing and decides to do it themselves.

and so far, it's 50/50 which of those would work out from a plot point of view. I was thinking one more swing and miss and probably 'the boss' would get involved, unless they try again with Ashley and succeed. [or you know, if someone else wants to lend me a character].

Thing is, we've all written competent characters, and coming up with a believable way for them to get snatched isn't easy!