"Tanya, Tanya…wake up!" Kevin said, giving her arms a gentle shake. He knelt close to her. "It's me, Kevin. Your Kevin." Pushing Malcolm aside, Kevin had climbed aboard the aircraft to see Tanya, still asleep. "Wake up, girl! Wake up, Tanya." His fingers ran across her face in feather touches.
Tanya opened her eyes slowly, then struggled to keep them open. Finally, she said, "Where am I? Kevin? Kevin!" She looked around, her eyes out of focus. She sat up straighter. "Is it true? I am safe?" She looked at Kevin, and then at Malcolm and Paul, and then back at Kevin. "I'm safe!" she shouted, and nestled her face against his chest.
"We'll leave you two alone," said Malcolm. "Happy to see you back, Tanya." He grabbed Paul's arm and left with him.
"See you later," murmured Tanya. Then, raising her voice: "Thank you, Paul. Thank you both."
Kevin sat close to her. "Oh, Tanya, what you went through-I'm so happy to see you again. Alive." He pulled her close to his chest again and kept her there, gently stroking her back.
"I didn't think I'd survive. I didn't think I'd ever see you again," Tanya said. "I was so scared, Kevin. So very scared…I did nothing wrong, but so many people want to kill me. It's terrible."
"Poor Tanya…I hope the police sort out this mess. It's incredible that this company, the Invicta, recommended people who made an attempt on your life!" His voice wore anger and contempt.
"Apparently there's a sizable contract out on me. That can lure people into becoming criminals. I don't have a clue why or who's behind all this."
"Neither do the police. They can't figure out what's happening. Why-" Kevin paused. "Now-first things first. I told Mr. Clark you're going to stay with me tonight. I'll take care of you." He buried his face in her hair. "I missed you. I missed you so much… Let's get out of here," he whispered. "Let's go to my place. I'll wait on you hand and foot. I'll take care of all your needs."
As soon as he let Tanya into his Toronto apartment, Kevin said, "Make yourself comfortable, Tanya. I'll prepare something to eat." He put his arms around her and kissed the tip of her nose.
"A bath first?" Tanya asked as she glanced around.