Carried to the resort.

Samantha felt like a sack of potatoes bouncing on Tom's shoulders as he walked down the path. At least she was somewhat warm in her cocoon of towels, and comforted by the thought that she was on her way to freedom.

Pete, despite having the privilege of walking and talking without triggering a painful electric discharge, found something to complain about. "Why am I lugging around both our golf bags while you get to carry a naked lady around?"

"You literally molested her back there, did you really think you'd be trusted to carry her?" Tom shot back. He sounded protective but also somewhat amused, like what his friend had done wasn't that big a deal.

"I said I was sorry," Pete griped. "Whatever, let's just get back to the stupid resort."

"Great idea Pete, here I was planning to go to the beach," Tom said sarcastically.

Pete decided not to respond to that.

The journey continued in silence until they reached the resort's main building. Entering through the large front doors, the men walked into a mostly empty lobby. There were only two others there: the boxy robotic receptionist... and Tiffany.

Alerted by the sound of the automatic doors, Tiffany looked away from the robot. As soon as she saw the newcomers she started yelling angrily. "That's them! Those men threatened volence against me and petnapped my Samantha!"

The receptionist's clunky body whirred as it rotated toward the entrance. "Guests Tom Bombado and Peter Gazetski. Please put down the animal and step away. Security has already been alerted. The doors will remain sealed until security responds."

Pete glanced back at the lobby entrance. The doors had closed behind them, but there was no visual indication that they were locked. They probably were though.