The Websters have also learned that reporters generally appreciate being spoon fed. On Tuesday, George handed out at least four different press releases, complete with information on the "latest developments," background on Joan, and details of the ongoing investigation. For newspapers that weren't able to send a photographer to the conference, the Websters had even produced still photographs of themselves and the new reward poster. To the gold pin on Terry's left lapel and to the stripe in George's maroon tie, the advance photos had been planned to match pictures taken during the conference itself.

And will the reporters weren't satisfied. After about an hour of questions, most of the newsmen had left, and Websters began to appear relieved that another chapter in their ordeal had ended. But one TV reporter will had 10 more minutes of queries.

She sat their down, had the bright lights turned on, and began pressing: "As a mother, tell us what it's been like..." Terry paused briefly, but she responded with dignity. "I cry...I take yoga."

As a reporter, you try to stay emotionally detached from the story whatever the story. And yet for me, the Webster story has become different. I find myself day-dreaming that perhaps at the next press conference, Joan will finally be there to explain.

"Until you find a body, you really don't I know where you stand," Joan's father said Tuesday.

I know that there will be at least one more news conference before the Webster story is over.