A/N: Thank you dear readers for the reviews, favorites, and follows. Anyone interested in some late night romance? About time, you say. LOL However, the mystery is never completely on the back burner ...

Chapter 5

Finally, Nancy and Frank were alone. It was nearing midnight when the couple strolled through the hotel's spectacular lobby. A large circular fountain stood in the center. Elegantly choreographed jets of shooting water and colored lights were the main attraction on the fountain. Artificial palm trees wrapped in glittering white lights created a tranquil, cozy atmosphere that invited guests to linger.

Nancy and Frank did not linger. They continued their stroll and took in all the hotel's amenities. A gift shop came into view, but it was closed. Continuing on, Nancy and Frank came to a rental shop. Diving and scuba gear as well as fashionable swimwear were on display in the large windows.

The couple stopped in front of the window and Frank surveyed the diving equipment. "Joe's hoping we can get in some diving while we're here."

The Hardy brothers were skilled divers and their hometown of Bayport in New York gave them plenty of opportunity to practice. Their small town was located on Barmet Bay, a horseshoe-shaped inlet, not far from from the Atlantic Ocean.

"I wouldn't hold my breath," Nancy said, referring to the possibility of diving. "I don't think this murder's going to be easy to solve."

"Maybe not," Frank said somewhat disappointed. "Any free time we have will be very precious." He squeezed Nancy's hand. "That's why I couldn't let tonight end without seeing you."

Nancy smiled up at him. "I'm glad you didn't."

Frank remembered the Puahlua Bar and Grill with its spacious terrace and great views of the ocean. He reminded Nancy of it and they decided to give it a try. However, when they got there it didn't live up to their expectations. Loud music poured from the doorway and the place was packed with hotel guests. Frank and Nancy were looking for a quiet, more intimate place. A place to truly be alone.

As they walked away, Nancy said, "Didn't you mention a full moon was out tonight? I still haven't seen it."

A mischievous glint flickered in Frank's eyes. "I know of a very private place where we can see it. If you're willing?" It sounded like a challenge.

"I'm always willing. I'd follow you anywhere," Nancy teased with a giggle. Besides, this adventure sounded fun.

Hand in hand, Frank led Nancy away. "It's a place Joe and I found when we did our sweep of the hotel."

Nancy noticed they were headed to sections of the hotel most likely frequented by the hotel staff and not guests. Her curiosity was most definitely piqued.

After many turns and stairs, they came to a tiled hallway leading to an exit. The exit led to the outside.

Frank pushed the door open for Nancy. "Right this way." He cast a glance over his shoulder before exiting himself.

A sidewalk extended a few feet beyond the doorway then dead-ended in soft sand. A single light fixture on the wall next to the door illuminated the immediate area.

Nancy and Frank walked to the end of the sidewalk and gazed upon the ocean sparkling a few yards beyond them. The water shimmered under the glow of a full moon. A rocky volcanic outcrop, rising three feet high, was to the left. Various shrubs dotted the landscape. To the right stood a grove of palm trees accompanied by a scattering of flowering shrubs. A metal staircase descended from above in a zigzag pattern and ended a few feet from the door.

Nancy pointed at the staircase. "A fire escape?"

"Probably," Frank answered. He took Nancy's hand and led her toward the ocean.

They stopped when the sand gave way to volcanic rock. The rough, dark outcrop made walking difficult especially in the dim light. Crashing waves sent up a mist of ocean spray.

Nancy took a deep breath of the salty air and gazed upon the full moon hovering in the inky black sky. "It's beautiful here. I'm glad you found this place."

"My search paid off then." Frank came up behind Nancy and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Cold?" he asked in a low voice.

"Not at all." She ran her hands along his bare forearms. Her fingers lightly traced the indentations of a long scar on his left arm, a permanent reminder of their last case together, a very vivid reminder that their work sometimes came with heavy consequences.

They stood for a long while in the sand, enjoying the view and each other. Waves crashed onto the shore and spilled over the volcanic rocks. The setting was perfect. The soothing sound of the waves eased away the day's tensions. Frank tightened his arms around Nancy's waist and she leaned the back of her head against his chest. They could have stayed that way forever for all she cared. But the ocean was unpredictable and the waves grew in size and force. Suddenly, a huge wave sent a sheet of water and mist high into the air. Droplets rained down upon the couple and, laughing, they rapidly retreated.

Nancy giggled with delight. "That was a little too close for comfort."

"Come with me," Frank's voice had turned husky and his eyes were dark and warm. He led Nancy to the staircase and guided her to the side away from the door, to the side where they would be hidden behind the staircase and tall flowering shrubs. This was a private spot just for them.

Frank maneuvered Nancy up against the staircase. She felt the cold metal chill her back, but she didn't mind. Frank's body, hot and solid, was pressed against her enveloping her in warmth and comfort. She saw the desire in his eyes as he gazed down upon her.

Her hands toyed with the hem of his polo shirt. She and Frank had never been this close before, not like this, so close she could feel the beating of his heart. She tilted her head in anticipation of a kiss.

Frank leaned down and kissed her hair. The flowery scent of her shampoo filled his senses and brought back memories of five months ago when they had last shared a kiss. That seemed incredibly long ago. Much too long ago.

He would take things slow and easy, he decided. He kissed her forehead lightly as though she was a delicate object. She was no such thing and he knew it. She was strong and confident, but he wanted to draw the moment out, to make it last. He kissed her cheek tenderly and gently.

The smell of his aftershave, strong and masculine just like him, awakened every nerve in Nancy's body. His stubble lightly raked her cheek as he moved his lips lower and kissed the hollow of her neck. A wave of shivers tumbled down her spine like a gentle waterfall.

She held back a moan as she slid her hands beneath his shirt.

He trailed light, lingering kisses along her jaw, over her chin and up her cheek, all the while avoiding the one place Nancy so desperately wanted his lips – on hers.

He was driving her wild with anticipation and desire. And when she thought she could stand no more, finally – at long last – his lips touched hers. Soft, warm, delicious, lingering, sensual. She ran out of words to describe the sensation and simply enjoyed it. Savored every heavenly second.

Her hands traced his bare skin beneath his shirt. How far should her hands roam? Let's keep it safe, she thought. Enjoy the moment, here with Frank, the sound of ocean waves lapping in the distance, a gentle breeze cooling her skin, and this kiss, the kiss she'd dreamed of for so long. It was perfect, better than her dreams, better than she'd imagined, so much better because it was real.

And just as she began to lose herself in the kiss, the door, the exit they themselves had used, creaked open. A stranger had suddenly invaded their private spot and private moment.

Frank lifted his head and peered through the railing of the staircase. A man stood beyond the range of the exterior light's glow. All Frank could see was the man's back.

The man cast a fugitive glance to the left and then the right. To Frank, this indicated the man did not want to be seen. Frank did not want to be seen either. Lucky for him, the staircase and flowering shrubs hid him and Nancy from the man.

Frank saw the question in Nancy's eyes and slowly shook his head. It was a warning. Beware, we have company.

Nancy turned quietly and peered through the railing. A man's silhouette came into view. He appeared to be of average height and weight and wore Bermuda shorts. He moved cautiously toward the beach. With each step he glanced left and right, constantly scanning for other guests. An occasional glance was thrown over his shoulder to check the door through which he had exited.

Frank pulled Nancy down, deeper into the shadows. Together they crouched in the sand and peered through the branches of the shrubs. They watched the man.

Who was he? Why did he seem afraid of being spotted?

The mysterious man stopped in the same area where Nancy and Frank had earlier stood – where the sand met volcanic rock. The moon hung above him like a silver disk. He withdrew something from a pocket, cast a few more glances up and down the beach, then reached back and hurled an object into the ocean. His mission accomplished, he turned and quickly strode away to the left, disappearing behind the rocky outcrop and shrubs.

Nancy and Frank crept from their hiding place. Nancy pointed in the direction the man had taken and raised an eyebrow. Should they pursue? Frank nodded and they took off.

When they got to the rocky outcrop and shrubs they looked all around. Nothing but empty beach greeted them. Their expressions fell in disappointment. Nancy felt the sting of defeat until Frank spotted what appeared to be a path leading back to the hotel's main entrance. Although Frank had a small flashlight, they decided not to use it, fearing the man might spot them.

The couple started along the winding, sandy path. However, after only a short distance, the going became difficult. Large rocks, gnarled pieces of drift wood, and large dry palm leaves littered the ground.

Nancy wondered if this was even a path. She picked her way through the debris and started to question the wisdom of coming this way .. and at night.

"Can you see where you're going?" Frank whispered behind her.

"Not really," she said over her shoulder and then down she went, landing unceremoniously on her bottom. "Ow!"

"Nancy!" Frank knelt next to her. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I just tripped over a piece of wood." She felt quite foolish.

Frank placed a hand under her elbow and helped her up. "You sure you're okay?"

"Positive." Thankfully, Frank could not see her blushing violently. She brushed off her shorts. "Only thing bruised is my ego."

Frank turned in place and scanned the beach, the shrubs, and the hotel. At last, he said, "I think we've lost him. If he came this way he must've had a flashlight."

"I was thinking the same thing," Nancy grumbled. "Or he knows his way around a lot better than we do."

"That's a possibility. Hey, it's late. We should probably get back before Bess or Joe gets worried about us."

Nancy agreed. On the way to her room she and Frank discussed the mysterious man. He'd clearly been afraid of being seen on the beach. Both Nancy and Frank thought he was a good suspect for Gwen Airedale's murder. If only they could have followed him and catch a glimpse of his face. However, the bigger question was, what had he tossed into the ocean?

They arrived at Nancy's room and she smiled. "That certainly was fun, Frank. Romance and mystery all in one night." She slid her arms around Frank's neck and felt his arms encircle her waist. "Thanks for inviting me on a stroll."

"My pleasure." He pulled Nancy to him and their lips met for a long, slow kiss.

At last they parted.

"We really need to get some sleep," Nancy said. She regretted that humans actually needed rest. It was something that did not come easy to her. She preferred action over inaction. "We have a big day tomorrow, not to mention our meeting with Mr. Airedale at nine. Plus, I can't wait to tell Bess and Joe what happened tonight."

"Me, too." Frank reluctantly let go of Nancy.

She pushed her key card in the door and opened it.

Joe's voice greeted her, "Well, well, well, if it isn't the wayward wanderers."

"Joe?" Frank followed Nancy into the room.

Joe and Bess sat at the glass table. Two empty bowls and spoons betrayed the guilty pleasures of a midnight snack.

Joe stood, stretched, and yawned. "Hey, we can't let you two have all the fun."

"I guess not." Frank smiled and let the door close. "And speaking of fun, little brother, you and I are going to have some real fun tomorrow."

The gleam in Frank's eye told Joe something was up. "Huh? What kinda fun?"

"You're getting your wish. We're going diving." A huge grin spread across Frank's face. He was as excited about diving as his brother would be.

"Diving?" Joe's excitement was tempered by curiosity. Why was diving suddenly on the agenda?

Frank and Nancy quickly told Joe and Bess about the mysterious man and their suspicions.

When the story was complete a still doubtful Bess asked, "You really think he's the murderer and that he threw the murder weapon in the ocean?" She looked from Frank to Nancy and back to Frank. "And you really think you can find it by diving?"

Frank shrugged. "Guess we'll find out tomorrow."

# # # #

He slipped into his room, stripped off his clothes, and slid into bed next to his wife.

"Where have you been?" she snapped. He'd left her alone yet again.

"My nightly stroll," he kept his voice calm although her angry outburst had irritated him.

"There's a crazed maniac on the loose," she hissed.

"What are you talking about?" He was mildly interested.

"Gwen Airedale. I think she was murdered."

"What makes you say that?" Now he was definitely interested.

"I've heard talk from the other wives. It's all just talk at this point, but they're saying it was murder. And you know what that means?"

"No." He really didn't know what that meant, at least not in his wife's mind. He couldn't figure out what was in her mind half the time anyway let alone now.

"It means there's a murderer in this hotel," she said it as if it were the most obvious conclusion in the world.

"Oh," was all he could muster.

"Well, you need to be careful. You need to stay close to me and protect me." She practically whined the last part. "I don't know how I'll be able to sleep in this hotel knowing there's a murderer lurking somewhere in it." She reached for his hand and their fingers entwined.

"Don't worry, you're safe with me," he said tenderly.

Good thing she couldn't see the evil smile curling the corners of his mouth. He wanted to laugh. If only she knew she was sleeping with the murderer.

She was perfectly safe though … that is, until he decided otherwise.