Possible Clues:

• Managed rumoured amount that's needed for release
• Buy freedom in Tehran somewhere
• Automaker Olds
• Buy freedom in Iran somehow
• Free, in a way, but it comes at a cost
• Hurried a bit, nearly producing kidnapper's demand
• Presumably, this is the free money that is paid in return for what's been taken
• Redemption money a children’s author talked of
• Money for freedom
• Money demanded for release of answer held in memory