Take Freemason's money in return for hostages (6)
I believe the answer is:
ransom
This might be a double definition.
'take freemason's money' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'return for hostages' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ransom that I've seen before include "Manors (anag.)" , "Freedom payment" , "Ready to release prisoner" , "Kidnapper's payoff" , "Payment, eg to kidnapper" .)