[TheDon]

I think he told her what he thought would keep her from screaming bloody murder. "Shut up" would not be a very good response. The "maybe" is probably the most significant part of the statement.

[Rotan]

I think the gun had more to do with keeping her quiet than anything he said. If he said it just to placate her, why not go the extra mile and say "I'm going to hold you hostage" instead of "maybe"? Surely, he had a better chance of cooperation if he flat out lied about it. Just my opinion, though.

Just trying to hold out hope. In my eyes, until a body is found, she's alive.