>> melissa told the agents that about five months earlier, she'd received an inquiry. two men, a writer named ron bradford and his assistant, were looking for a place to stay while they worked on their book. melissa showed them around. they were in the market for something secluded with a garage. >> we traveled around the area, looked at a couple of homes, and they chose one. >> the men were staying in a home aptly named "southern comfort." it was a month-to-month rental, and they paid in cash. melissa said they were some of her best tenants. >> these guys treated me with utmost respect. they were very kind. on an occasion they actually brought me a potted plant. and a thank-you card for, you know, being such a hospitable rental company, i guess. >> they hardly seemed like gun- wielding kidnappers. agent blanton ran down the name