Michael called the police on the way to the address for Command Cleaning. And he also let them know he had Greg, to let his family know he was safe. When they arrived, he slipped into the building, hoping to get evidence before the thieves were able to destroy it. Kitt – who had never been good at small talk – was unsure of how he and Greg were supposed to 'get to know each other' as Michael had suggested.

Greg sighed. "Well, may as well get this over with, eh?"

"I am not sure to what you are referring."

"Aren't you supposed to be interrogating me, so Michael can decide whether I'm an acceptable boyfriend for Mel?"

"Melissa has already made her feelings on that matter quite clear to Michael."

"And he's okay with that?" Greg seemed surprised.

"I believe so. Or at least, he hasn't said anything to me otherwise."

"So. . . when he said we should get to know each other, that's exactly what he meant?"

"Again, I believe so. And I would rather not contact him right now for clarification, under the circumstances."

"Yeah, I can see how that would be bad."

"Earlier, you were very insistent that we not tell Melissa that the thieves had taken you hostage. However, I was under the impression that you two had no secrets."

"Oh, I plan to tell her. But it has to come from me. And it has to be in the right place and time. Or she'll freak."

"I see." Kitt had a thought. "Greg, are you as knowledgeable about vehicles as Melissa?"

"Oh, God, no." Greg laughed. "I'm all thumbs: great for growing plants but terrible for fixing things."

"That's unfortunate."

"Why? Do you need something fixed?"

"No, quite the opposite, in fact."

"Oh, well, I can break just about anything mechanical. Mel could vouch for that."

Kitt pulled up an engine schematic on his monitor. "This is the engine compartment of the van the thieves were driving. If you were to remove this part here," Kitt drew a red circle on the diagram, "that would render the vehicle inoperable."

"Mel told me to stay in the car. So did Michael."

"It will take less than five minutes and requires no tools. And I will be monitoring in case anyone comes out of the building."

"Sure, I'll give it a try."

Greg leaned forward to study the diagram. Then he got out and ran to the van. Popping the hood, he stared down, grabbed something, and then closed the hood.

As soon as he was back in the passenger seat, he held it up and asked, "This it?"

"Yes, indeed."

Just then, Michael called. "Kitt, the thieves are heading your way. Don't let that van get away."

"I'm on it, Michael."

Four men came out of the building and piled into the van. Which – to their surprise but not Kitt's or Greg's – didn't start. The delay was long enough for the police to arrive, blockading both ends of the service alley. And for Michael to come out with a handful of event flyers and auction brochures. They had clearly been set on fire, but Michael had gotten the flames put out before the papers were more than slightly charred. The thieves' notes were still clearly legible.

After some time spent talking with the police, Michael was allowed to leave. He drove Greg back to the event venue. The entire Halloway Horde was waiting for them. Greg got out of the car and was immediately mobbed by his mother and siblings. Paul came over to Michael, who was sitting on Kitt's hood, and shook his hand.

"Thank you for rescuing our son."

"You're welcome. I'm just glad it all turned out okay."

"So am I."

Doris came over and just hugged Michael, unable to speak through her tears of joy. Paul patted his wife's back.

When she had herself under control, Doris said, "Please, join us for lunch, Michael."

"It would be a pleasure, Doris."