I haven't taken a look at the code, but...
They should be able to handle it by placing code similar to running away, but with a chance in the event that fame gets high enough, instead of happiness low or enough or whatever. Then they could add in 'investigate' code similar to 'recapture' code. Then they could add in a few lines telling it that if you take too long, this or that could happen, and if you do it quickly enough, this or that could happen.
But honestly, it seems like it just punishes the player. And it adds in a whole new aspect that doesn't add to the game much.