"Oh, great!" Tanya said in response.
"That's an excellent idea," Kevin said. "Let's retire now, and meet for breakfast in the morning." He rose and drew Tanya's hand through his, pulling her along. He almost pushed her toward the stairs. "Good night, gentlemen. You can find a bed, I'm sure. There are plenty in the house."
Paul was still recovering from the rapid sequence of events when Joe began to walk across the room. "Come on, Paul. Let's go around and check out every part of the house."
"I did that already. I was here alone for almost two hours earlier today. I entered through an upstairs window."
"I think it's better to do it again," Joe said firmly. "Just in case. I'd like to get familiar with the premises, too."
Paul shrugged. "Let's start, then, by going around the house and checking all the entrances. Then I'll contact Malcolm. He may not like the arrangements." He paused, shrugged again. "But I must admit I don't feel Tanya's in any immediate danger with the two of us here to protect her."
Joe nodded. Together, they covered the downstairs area quickly. "Let me use your cellular phone, would you, Joe? Mine isn't working, and I want to touch base with Malcolm."
"Certainly. But I'll do you one better than that. I'll call Malcolm for you. I have some things in my car I need to get, anyway."
Kevin closed the bedroom door and slid his arms around Tanya's body. "Finally," he said, his voice a husky sigh. "It was so difficult to be polite, to not tell them to leave us the hell alone." He stroked Tanya's face with gentle fingers. "Not that I'm not concerned about your safety. But I've waited weeks to be with you, and now they're taking you away again." He buried his face in her hair, breathing her scent.
"Paul is acting a little strange," Tanya said. "He never mentioned where he wanted to take me, and why 'there' would be better than 'here.' I don't understand."
"It has to be Malcolm's idea. He sees criminals all over. I have a personal dislike for the man. He actually treated me as if I were a suspect at one time." He released Tanya. "Oh, well, let's enjoy our time together," he said. "But first, you should give me back my jacket," he said smiling mysteriously.