Second Night
David Keel entered the lobby and marched directly over to the receptionist desk.
Jean, the receptionist who was at the barn, was conversing with someone on the phone. "I assure you, Mr. Lanier, we have everything under control. You will have full authority over the company when we are done." She glanced at Keel and continued, "I can't say more right now; goodbye."
David Keel spoke angrily as he said, "I would like to file a complaint."
"What seems to be the matter with it?"
"There is a terrible draft in my room."
"Do you want another room, Sir?" Jean enquired imperturbably.
"Yes, if it can be arranged." Keel tried not to smile as he thought of his marvelous acting job. He pretended to be surprised as he added, "I say, did I see you by the stables earlier today?"
Jean froze with fear as she answered, "No, I-I was never by the stables-I hate horses."
David shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "I must have mistook you for someone else."
The receptionist quavered as she said, "It appears all the rooms are booked except the King and Queen suites. I'll go speak to my manager to see if there is any possible way we can fix the draft in your room." Jean entered a room that was directly behind the check in counter.
Seated lazily at a table were Putnam, Cunningham and Henderson. "What seems to be the problem?" Henderson asked.
"A gentleman is complaining about his accommodations, but there are no more available hotel rooms except the more expensive suites. I told him the manager would be able to help." Jean gazed imploringly at Henderson.
"Well, now that the manager is indisposed, I believe I just got the job." Mr. Henderson pointed to the inert body of a man sprawled on the floor behind the table.
Jean gasped as she cried, "Why did you kill him?"
"He was getting too suspicious," Cunningham replied serenely. "He wanted to know why all these renown businessmen were dying after they paid a visit to his castle. He also was curious as to why we were always hanging around here and talking to you, Jean."
"We couldn't let him catch on to our plan. He might ask for money to keep silent," added Putnam gravely.
"Miss, where are you?" called Dr. Keel from the lobby.
Cunningham peeped out the door at the oblivious doctor and snarled, "You fool, that man was with Steed and Miss Knight!" He grasped Jean's arm harshly as he declared, "He's probably spying on us!"
"I told you someone would see you when you followed me to the stables this afternoon!" Putnam whispered shrilly. "What if he knows something valuable?"
Jean blanched as she murmured, "I was on the phone with Lanier when Keel arrived at the desk."
Cunningham struck the receptionist across the face with a violent blow. "You're going to ruin everything for us. We've almost gained control of all of these companies!"
"We've got to get rid of Keel before he reports to Steed!" pronounced Mr. Henderson.
"Jean, you distract him, and I'll take him to the dungeons," Putnam ordered the whimpering girl.
Trying to smile through her tears, the receptionist went back to the lobby. "I'm afraid there is nothing I can do for you, sir.
"This is intolerable; I want to leave at once!" David exclaimed, letting his ruse carry him away.
"If that is your wish, I can quite understand."
Keel was caught in a dilemma that couldn't easily be solved. Should he just change his mind, proving either he was a fickle man or someone putting on an act? Or should he resolve to leave and then sneak back later? He decided on the latter, and in fifteen minutes he was driving away in his car.
As he got near the end of the long drive, Keel spotted a man lying limply by the side of the road. Unbeknownst to the doctor, the man was infamous Oliver Putnam. Being the compassionate physician that he was, Keel hopped out of his auto to investigate the grisly scene. He stooped over the inert body, feeling for a pulse. The man was alive, but he was not conscious.
It was at this critical moment that Keel was rendered unconscious by an unknown object. He slumped to the ground next to Putman, who clambered to his feet.
"An excellent acting job," Henderson complimented his boss. He tossed a heavy wrench into the back seat of Keel's vehicles. The two criminals dragged Keel into the backseat as well. Then they hopped into the front and drove into the cattails out of sight.
They soon arrived at the dungeon, a dilapidated stone building with iron bars all over the façade. Putnam and Henderson carried the doctor into the dungeon and placed him in a grungy cell. To the left and right of him were Carton and Haley, the two remaining businessmen.
*********
Emma Knight was a bundle of agitated nerves that evening. Half of her yearned to see Steed again, while the other side of her wished to have nothing to do with him if it involved a short romance that could never work. She played over her options in her head countless times only to become more disconcerted than before.
If she surrendered to this love, what freedoms would she have? Would she have to destroy her emancipated side and depend on John for protection and care? Would she have to give up her father's business, forsake her old acquaintances; in short, be a slave to this man? Was this how true love worked, to have the man get all the benefits and none of the responsibilities while the woman obeyed his every whim, belonging solely to him and no other? In other words, was this the sort of relationship she wanted?
Emma was positive Steed had no inclination to get married, but she wasn't certain of her own feelings on the subject. Was she the type of independent woman who could tie herself down to one man for the rest of her life? She didn't know, but somehow she had to find the answer.
Then there was the question of Steed's honesty. How many times had he lied to her; was he still living in a charade? Was Steed the enemy as she had suspected at first? Was he trying to win her love so she would be off guard? And who was this Dr. David Keel who had arrived a short while ago? Emma did not want to go to dinner with Steed, but having already given her word she had no choice. It was not like a Knight to back down on a promise!
Miss Knight attired herself in a sleeveless mint green dress with three silver stripes near the hem. The dress had a deep neckline trimmed in the same metallic cloth as the bands on the skirt. To finish the apparel, she donned white dress shoes with sparkly silver bows. She flipped her auburn tresses up in her usual fashion and slicked back the hair around her face. After applying a pale lipstick to her mouth, brushing on some rose coloured blush, and highlighting her eyelashes with mascara, she exited her hotel room.
She slowly clomped down each stair to the lobby. It sounded like she was marching to her own graveside, her footsteps the steady beat of a dirge. When she spotted Steed, she inhaled and exhaled deeply as she told herself, "You must keep cool, Emma." She unconsciously snapped her fingers in an irritating way that could make the cruelest opponent stark mad.
John was dashing in his black pinstripe suit, but then he almost always was dapper. He beamed gregariously at his gorgeous dinner date even though he was filled with trepidation. He had made this poor woman fall in love with him, and he had no idea why he felt so guilty. Furthermore, Keel had not returned from his investigation, which usually indicated that the good doctor was in mortal danger. But Steed kept his distraught emotions under a veneer of politeness and collectiveness.
"Shall we go in the dinner hall, Miss Knight?" Steed extended his warm hand for the lady to clasp.
Emma recoiled at his gentle behaviour. There was something disturbing about his mien, almost as if he was concealing turbulent thoughts. Unfortunately for Steed, Miss Emma Knight could read his mannerisms and feelings all too well. "Are you hiding something from me?" she blurted before she could control herself.
John, taken aback by this demand, stuttered a reply. "I-I'm just concerned about my friend, Dr. Keel, who seems to have disappeared." He laughed-nervously-in an attempt to calm their fears. He once more tried to take his lady friend's hand, but she refused.
"I don't want to go to the dinner hall; too many people." Emma was growing cross as she added, "I don't want to eat at all if that's all right with you. I don't even know why I dressed in this bloody gown since I just want to stay in my room all evening."
"Then don't eat," Steed snapped. Bystanders were beginning to stare at the estranged couple. Steed tried to remain serene as he continued, "I'll accompany to your room if you wish, Emma."
"What I wish is for you not to call me by my Christian name." With that last cantankerous remark, Emma flounced up the stairs.
Steed smiled embarrassedly at the spectators before he pursued the uncharacteristically petulant Emma Knight. He ran after her, calling Emma by her first name despite her order. He soon reached her room and didn't think before barging in. "What the devil is going on with you?"
"Really, Mr. Steed, with that attitude you will accomplish absolutely nothing." Emma perched herself in the uncomfortable chair, her eyes riveted on the ambiguous gentleman in front of her.
"I thought you cared for me," Steed continued pitifully. "I thought you loved me."
"Would it wound your male ego if you discovered I had no feelings for you whatsoever?"
"It would, but I know that it is a boldfaced lie."
"You certainly know a lot about telling falsehoods, don't you Mr. Steed?" Emma watched her companion's hazel eyes for a reaction.
"I have no idea what you are implying by that, Miss Knight." Steed crossed his arms defiantly, daring her to respond, which she did accordingly.
"All you have ever told me is lies, I'll bet. You don't love me, so why should I love you?" Emma was on the verge of tears-tears of frustration and sorrow.
"Just answer me one question: do you love me?" Steed's insolence was replaced by curiosity and concern.
"Yes," Emma convulsed between sobs, "and I wish to God I didn't."
Steed was about to utter, "I thought as much," but at the last moment he decided against it. It was also at this moment that the phone rang. Miss Knight hurriedly wiped away unshed tears before picking up the telephone.
"Miss Knight, is Mr. Steed there?" came an unidentifiable male voice.
Emma handed the phone to Steed without a word. "Steed, here," John spoke into the handset.
"Mr. Steed, this is Putnam. If you ever want to see your friend alive, I suggest you leave the premises immediately. Do not associate with Miss Knight any more, or she and your friend will both die." The phone made a clicking sound and then the dial tone resonated in his ear.
Steed slammed the phone in its cradle and cursed inaudibly. "Keel, you rushed in where Steeds and angels fear to tread again."
Emma noted him suspiciously as she asked, "What are you talking about, Steed?" When her companion did not answer, she demanded, "Who are you, and what do you want with me?"
"I will not harm you if that's what you're afraid of."
"Stop avoiding my questions!" Miss Knight hissed in desperation and anger. "I've already verified that you don't work for the secretary of a secretary of a Member of Parliament, and I'm absolutely certain Lanier did not send you to protect me. So did Putnam hire you to frighten me out of my wits, because if he did, you're doing a darn good job!"
"Do you really distrust me that much that you don't know if I'm your friend or not?" Steed's hurt countenance changed to a look of entreaty. "Oh Emma, please trust me." He enveloped the young woman in an embrace.
"I want to, but you've lied to me so many times, I don't know if I can." Emma breathed in the scent of his cologne, wishing every moment wasn't as bewildering as this. True, she had wanted more excitement, but not knowing who was her friend and who was her enemy was far from what she had desired.
Steed realised that he must explain the real facts, or he would risk losing Miss Knight's respect forever. It was a possibility that he had already lost her confidence and high regard. "Emma," he began tentatively, "I must tell you the truth, even with all the consequences it might bring." He held her at arm's length as he continued, "I am an-I do work for the government as I stated before."
Emma felt the breath go out of her body as an idea registered in her already befuddled brain. "You-are you a spy?"
Steed nodded his head numbly as he murmured, "Yes, I am a secret agent for a ministry."
Miss Knight's vision clouded over as she grasped the meaning of his sentence. She had fallen in love with a spy, a man who could be killed at any moment, a man who could put her life in danger! She had given her heart away for the first time since she was a teenager, and she had gotten involved with a ministry man of all professions! Emma believed it would have been better if she grown attached to a professional marrier, or a gold digger, anything besides a spy! The only thing worse than an agency man was a criminal.
Without thinking she started packing her suitcases with all her clothes. I'm leaving as soon as I can, she told herself.
Steed gently interrupted her panicked thoughts by saying, "I was sent to protect you after four other business tycoons disappeared while staying at this resort. We believe that this Putnam wants something from all these companies, maybe to make a indestructible ship to wreak havoc on our British ports and threaten our nation."
"I can take care of myself, thank you very much. As you recall, I fought off three men yesterday without your aide." Emma's voice was as icy and cold as Antarctica during a blizzard. She hurriedly stuffed the rest of her belongings in the two luggage bags before placing them by the door.
"Listen, you," Steed grabbed her arms with as much force as he could muster, "your life is in mortal danger, and if you don't watch out you could find yourself very dead."
"I think you put me in the most danger, parading around like you owned the world, showing up when I was in the most trouble." Emma yanked herself out of his clasp as she added, "I was doing all right in protecting myself until you arrived on the scene, stole my heart and broke it all in two very short days. Now I'm so discombobulated I can't tell what makes sense and what doesn't." She started pacing the floor, but turned to face her new adversary with venom in her brown eyes. "If anyone is going to get me murdered, it will be you John Steed."
Steed's face grew ashen and then turned the brightest shade of vermilion that Emma had ever witnessed. He tried to compose himself as he declared, "I believe you need to relax and have some supper." He gently grasped her arm, but Emma used a karate move that soon had him in her clutches with her arm across his neck.
However, John Steed was an expert in fighting techniques. In less than a minute he had thrown Emma over his shoulders onto her bed. Miss Knight sputtered indignantly as she tried to regain control over her own body, which was sprawled unbecomingly across her mattress. She brushed her hair of her face as she tried to rise to her feet, but Steed abruptly pushed her down.
"Oh Emma," he began in a ruthless tone she had never heard before, "You shouldn't ever mess with an agent, or you will find yourself over your head."
"I know exactly what I'm doing," was the saucy reply. Once again Emma Knight tried to stand up only to be impolitely shoved back down on the bed.
"If you leave, Putnam and his men will kidnap you."
"That's a chance I will have to take, now isn't it?"
"I won't let you do this to yourself, not while I have life left in my body," Steed practically threatened her.
"Isn't that just so unfortunate for you," Miss Knight retorted. "Every second you keep me here you make me despise you even more."
"Making you hate me is the last thing on my mind."
"Then if you care for me, let me leave this hotel and make sure you never see me again."
"I think you just need to relax, and then maybe you'll be able to think more reasonably," Steed suggested coyly as he fiddled with her hair. He was about to place an amorous kiss on her lips when Emma jabbed him in his ribs with he elbow. While Steed was doubled over in pain, Miss Knight grabbed her key off her nightstand, snatched up her two suitcases, and dashed downstairs.
Steed shook himself, trying to ignore the throbbing in his body. He quickly followed Emma out the door; he mustn't let her escape!
To Be Continued!
David Keel entered the lobby and marched directly over to the receptionist desk.
Jean, the receptionist who was at the barn, was conversing with someone on the phone. "I assure you, Mr. Lanier, we have everything under control. You will have full authority over the company when we are done." She glanced at Keel and continued, "I can't say more right now; goodbye."
David Keel spoke angrily as he said, "I would like to file a complaint."
"What seems to be the matter with it?"
"There is a terrible draft in my room."
"Do you want another room, Sir?" Jean enquired imperturbably.
"Yes, if it can be arranged." Keel tried not to smile as he thought of his marvelous acting job. He pretended to be surprised as he added, "I say, did I see you by the stables earlier today?"
Jean froze with fear as she answered, "No, I-I was never by the stables-I hate horses."
David shrugged his shoulders as he replied, "I must have mistook you for someone else."
The receptionist quavered as she said, "It appears all the rooms are booked except the King and Queen suites. I'll go speak to my manager to see if there is any possible way we can fix the draft in your room." Jean entered a room that was directly behind the check in counter.
Seated lazily at a table were Putnam, Cunningham and Henderson. "What seems to be the problem?" Henderson asked.
"A gentleman is complaining about his accommodations, but there are no more available hotel rooms except the more expensive suites. I told him the manager would be able to help." Jean gazed imploringly at Henderson.
"Well, now that the manager is indisposed, I believe I just got the job." Mr. Henderson pointed to the inert body of a man sprawled on the floor behind the table.
Jean gasped as she cried, "Why did you kill him?"
"He was getting too suspicious," Cunningham replied serenely. "He wanted to know why all these renown businessmen were dying after they paid a visit to his castle. He also was curious as to why we were always hanging around here and talking to you, Jean."
"We couldn't let him catch on to our plan. He might ask for money to keep silent," added Putnam gravely.
"Miss, where are you?" called Dr. Keel from the lobby.
Cunningham peeped out the door at the oblivious doctor and snarled, "You fool, that man was with Steed and Miss Knight!" He grasped Jean's arm harshly as he declared, "He's probably spying on us!"
"I told you someone would see you when you followed me to the stables this afternoon!" Putnam whispered shrilly. "What if he knows something valuable?"
Jean blanched as she murmured, "I was on the phone with Lanier when Keel arrived at the desk."
Cunningham struck the receptionist across the face with a violent blow. "You're going to ruin everything for us. We've almost gained control of all of these companies!"
"We've got to get rid of Keel before he reports to Steed!" pronounced Mr. Henderson.
"Jean, you distract him, and I'll take him to the dungeons," Putnam ordered the whimpering girl.
Trying to smile through her tears, the receptionist went back to the lobby. "I'm afraid there is nothing I can do for you, sir.
"This is intolerable; I want to leave at once!" David exclaimed, letting his ruse carry him away.
"If that is your wish, I can quite understand."
Keel was caught in a dilemma that couldn't easily be solved. Should he just change his mind, proving either he was a fickle man or someone putting on an act? Or should he resolve to leave and then sneak back later? He decided on the latter, and in fifteen minutes he was driving away in his car.
As he got near the end of the long drive, Keel spotted a man lying limply by the side of the road. Unbeknownst to the doctor, the man was infamous Oliver Putnam. Being the compassionate physician that he was, Keel hopped out of his auto to investigate the grisly scene. He stooped over the inert body, feeling for a pulse. The man was alive, but he was not conscious.
It was at this critical moment that Keel was rendered unconscious by an unknown object. He slumped to the ground next to Putman, who clambered to his feet.
"An excellent acting job," Henderson complimented his boss. He tossed a heavy wrench into the back seat of Keel's vehicles. The two criminals dragged Keel into the backseat as well. Then they hopped into the front and drove into the cattails out of sight.
They soon arrived at the dungeon, a dilapidated stone building with iron bars all over the façade. Putnam and Henderson carried the doctor into the dungeon and placed him in a grungy cell. To the left and right of him were Carton and Haley, the two remaining businessmen.
*********
Emma Knight was a bundle of agitated nerves that evening. Half of her yearned to see Steed again, while the other side of her wished to have nothing to do with him if it involved a short romance that could never work. She played over her options in her head countless times only to become more disconcerted than before.
If she surrendered to this love, what freedoms would she have? Would she have to destroy her emancipated side and depend on John for protection and care? Would she have to give up her father's business, forsake her old acquaintances; in short, be a slave to this man? Was this how true love worked, to have the man get all the benefits and none of the responsibilities while the woman obeyed his every whim, belonging solely to him and no other? In other words, was this the sort of relationship she wanted?
Emma was positive Steed had no inclination to get married, but she wasn't certain of her own feelings on the subject. Was she the type of independent woman who could tie herself down to one man for the rest of her life? She didn't know, but somehow she had to find the answer.
Then there was the question of Steed's honesty. How many times had he lied to her; was he still living in a charade? Was Steed the enemy as she had suspected at first? Was he trying to win her love so she would be off guard? And who was this Dr. David Keel who had arrived a short while ago? Emma did not want to go to dinner with Steed, but having already given her word she had no choice. It was not like a Knight to back down on a promise!
Miss Knight attired herself in a sleeveless mint green dress with three silver stripes near the hem. The dress had a deep neckline trimmed in the same metallic cloth as the bands on the skirt. To finish the apparel, she donned white dress shoes with sparkly silver bows. She flipped her auburn tresses up in her usual fashion and slicked back the hair around her face. After applying a pale lipstick to her mouth, brushing on some rose coloured blush, and highlighting her eyelashes with mascara, she exited her hotel room.
She slowly clomped down each stair to the lobby. It sounded like she was marching to her own graveside, her footsteps the steady beat of a dirge. When she spotted Steed, she inhaled and exhaled deeply as she told herself, "You must keep cool, Emma." She unconsciously snapped her fingers in an irritating way that could make the cruelest opponent stark mad.
John was dashing in his black pinstripe suit, but then he almost always was dapper. He beamed gregariously at his gorgeous dinner date even though he was filled with trepidation. He had made this poor woman fall in love with him, and he had no idea why he felt so guilty. Furthermore, Keel had not returned from his investigation, which usually indicated that the good doctor was in mortal danger. But Steed kept his distraught emotions under a veneer of politeness and collectiveness.
"Shall we go in the dinner hall, Miss Knight?" Steed extended his warm hand for the lady to clasp.
Emma recoiled at his gentle behaviour. There was something disturbing about his mien, almost as if he was concealing turbulent thoughts. Unfortunately for Steed, Miss Emma Knight could read his mannerisms and feelings all too well. "Are you hiding something from me?" she blurted before she could control herself.
John, taken aback by this demand, stuttered a reply. "I-I'm just concerned about my friend, Dr. Keel, who seems to have disappeared." He laughed-nervously-in an attempt to calm their fears. He once more tried to take his lady friend's hand, but she refused.
"I don't want to go to the dinner hall; too many people." Emma was growing cross as she added, "I don't want to eat at all if that's all right with you. I don't even know why I dressed in this bloody gown since I just want to stay in my room all evening."
"Then don't eat," Steed snapped. Bystanders were beginning to stare at the estranged couple. Steed tried to remain serene as he continued, "I'll accompany to your room if you wish, Emma."
"What I wish is for you not to call me by my Christian name." With that last cantankerous remark, Emma flounced up the stairs.
Steed smiled embarrassedly at the spectators before he pursued the uncharacteristically petulant Emma Knight. He ran after her, calling Emma by her first name despite her order. He soon reached her room and didn't think before barging in. "What the devil is going on with you?"
"Really, Mr. Steed, with that attitude you will accomplish absolutely nothing." Emma perched herself in the uncomfortable chair, her eyes riveted on the ambiguous gentleman in front of her.
"I thought you cared for me," Steed continued pitifully. "I thought you loved me."
"Would it wound your male ego if you discovered I had no feelings for you whatsoever?"
"It would, but I know that it is a boldfaced lie."
"You certainly know a lot about telling falsehoods, don't you Mr. Steed?" Emma watched her companion's hazel eyes for a reaction.
"I have no idea what you are implying by that, Miss Knight." Steed crossed his arms defiantly, daring her to respond, which she did accordingly.
"All you have ever told me is lies, I'll bet. You don't love me, so why should I love you?" Emma was on the verge of tears-tears of frustration and sorrow.
"Just answer me one question: do you love me?" Steed's insolence was replaced by curiosity and concern.
"Yes," Emma convulsed between sobs, "and I wish to God I didn't."
Steed was about to utter, "I thought as much," but at the last moment he decided against it. It was also at this moment that the phone rang. Miss Knight hurriedly wiped away unshed tears before picking up the telephone.
"Miss Knight, is Mr. Steed there?" came an unidentifiable male voice.
Emma handed the phone to Steed without a word. "Steed, here," John spoke into the handset.
"Mr. Steed, this is Putnam. If you ever want to see your friend alive, I suggest you leave the premises immediately. Do not associate with Miss Knight any more, or she and your friend will both die." The phone made a clicking sound and then the dial tone resonated in his ear.
Steed slammed the phone in its cradle and cursed inaudibly. "Keel, you rushed in where Steeds and angels fear to tread again."
Emma noted him suspiciously as she asked, "What are you talking about, Steed?" When her companion did not answer, she demanded, "Who are you, and what do you want with me?"
"I will not harm you if that's what you're afraid of."
"Stop avoiding my questions!" Miss Knight hissed in desperation and anger. "I've already verified that you don't work for the secretary of a secretary of a Member of Parliament, and I'm absolutely certain Lanier did not send you to protect me. So did Putnam hire you to frighten me out of my wits, because if he did, you're doing a darn good job!"
"Do you really distrust me that much that you don't know if I'm your friend or not?" Steed's hurt countenance changed to a look of entreaty. "Oh Emma, please trust me." He enveloped the young woman in an embrace.
"I want to, but you've lied to me so many times, I don't know if I can." Emma breathed in the scent of his cologne, wishing every moment wasn't as bewildering as this. True, she had wanted more excitement, but not knowing who was her friend and who was her enemy was far from what she had desired.
Steed realised that he must explain the real facts, or he would risk losing Miss Knight's respect forever. It was a possibility that he had already lost her confidence and high regard. "Emma," he began tentatively, "I must tell you the truth, even with all the consequences it might bring." He held her at arm's length as he continued, "I am an-I do work for the government as I stated before."
Emma felt the breath go out of her body as an idea registered in her already befuddled brain. "You-are you a spy?"
Steed nodded his head numbly as he murmured, "Yes, I am a secret agent for a ministry."
Miss Knight's vision clouded over as she grasped the meaning of his sentence. She had fallen in love with a spy, a man who could be killed at any moment, a man who could put her life in danger! She had given her heart away for the first time since she was a teenager, and she had gotten involved with a ministry man of all professions! Emma believed it would have been better if she grown attached to a professional marrier, or a gold digger, anything besides a spy! The only thing worse than an agency man was a criminal.
Without thinking she started packing her suitcases with all her clothes. I'm leaving as soon as I can, she told herself.
Steed gently interrupted her panicked thoughts by saying, "I was sent to protect you after four other business tycoons disappeared while staying at this resort. We believe that this Putnam wants something from all these companies, maybe to make a indestructible ship to wreak havoc on our British ports and threaten our nation."
"I can take care of myself, thank you very much. As you recall, I fought off three men yesterday without your aide." Emma's voice was as icy and cold as Antarctica during a blizzard. She hurriedly stuffed the rest of her belongings in the two luggage bags before placing them by the door.
"Listen, you," Steed grabbed her arms with as much force as he could muster, "your life is in mortal danger, and if you don't watch out you could find yourself very dead."
"I think you put me in the most danger, parading around like you owned the world, showing up when I was in the most trouble." Emma yanked herself out of his clasp as she added, "I was doing all right in protecting myself until you arrived on the scene, stole my heart and broke it all in two very short days. Now I'm so discombobulated I can't tell what makes sense and what doesn't." She started pacing the floor, but turned to face her new adversary with venom in her brown eyes. "If anyone is going to get me murdered, it will be you John Steed."
Steed's face grew ashen and then turned the brightest shade of vermilion that Emma had ever witnessed. He tried to compose himself as he declared, "I believe you need to relax and have some supper." He gently grasped her arm, but Emma used a karate move that soon had him in her clutches with her arm across his neck.
However, John Steed was an expert in fighting techniques. In less than a minute he had thrown Emma over his shoulders onto her bed. Miss Knight sputtered indignantly as she tried to regain control over her own body, which was sprawled unbecomingly across her mattress. She brushed her hair of her face as she tried to rise to her feet, but Steed abruptly pushed her down.
"Oh Emma," he began in a ruthless tone she had never heard before, "You shouldn't ever mess with an agent, or you will find yourself over your head."
"I know exactly what I'm doing," was the saucy reply. Once again Emma Knight tried to stand up only to be impolitely shoved back down on the bed.
"If you leave, Putnam and his men will kidnap you."
"That's a chance I will have to take, now isn't it?"
"I won't let you do this to yourself, not while I have life left in my body," Steed practically threatened her.
"Isn't that just so unfortunate for you," Miss Knight retorted. "Every second you keep me here you make me despise you even more."
"Making you hate me is the last thing on my mind."
"Then if you care for me, let me leave this hotel and make sure you never see me again."
"I think you just need to relax, and then maybe you'll be able to think more reasonably," Steed suggested coyly as he fiddled with her hair. He was about to place an amorous kiss on her lips when Emma jabbed him in his ribs with he elbow. While Steed was doubled over in pain, Miss Knight grabbed her key off her nightstand, snatched up her two suitcases, and dashed downstairs.
Steed shook himself, trying to ignore the throbbing in his body. He quickly followed Emma out the door; he mustn't let her escape!
To Be Continued!