In this story, the narrator, Mike, plans to kidnap his best friend, Ben, three times as a bizarre way to spend quality time together due to their drifting friendship. Mike recruits accomplices and uses various strategies, including a fake script, an impersonation of Katy Perry, and collaboration with Kelly, a video producer, to carry out these kidnappings. However, Ben becomes aware of Mike's plans and foils the third kidnapping attempt, leading to a humorous and unusual series of events.
Here are the key facts from the provided text:
1. Kidnapping is mentioned as a crime.
2. The text mentions the need for written consent for a video.
3. The author planned to kidnap their best friend three times.
4. The author had a close friendship with someone named Ben.
5. Ben and the author used to hang out frequently but drifted apart over time.
6. The author planned to kidnap Ben using coworkers as accomplices.
7. The author had accomplices named Kwazy, Zach, and a valet attendant.
8. The author devised various plans for kidnapping Ben.
9. The author proposed a challenge with Ben involving kidnapping.
10. The author considered shaving Ben's eyebrow if successful.
11. There was a discussion about involving Ben's girlfriend, Annie, in the challenge.
12. The author attempted to create a surprise birthday party ruse.
13. There was an attempt to use a Katy Perry impersonator to kidnap Ben.
14. Ben discovered the plan and turned the tables on the author.
15. Surveillance footage was used to analyze the failed kidnapping attempt.
16. The author planned a third kidnapping attempt with the help of Kelly.
17. Surveillance equipment, including a GoPro and microphone, was set up.
18. The author mentioned using disguises and strong men in the third kidnapping plan.
Please note that these facts are extracted from the text without including any opinions or additional commentary.