[He had expected her to reject him outright, but when she actually considered it, Howie realised that this was really bad.] "I didn't mean for long. Just long enough that you can get some sleep and to give us chance to figure out how to fix this. Or at least figure out what's wrong." [Not that he really had much clue, but he was pretty sure something could be worked out. Something had to be worked out, because this was dangerous, and mostly to her right now.] "It'll make it easier, I'm sure, and I do promise I will give you them back." [He was pretty sure, one way or another, he was going to have to take them, because someone would get hurt, one way or another, and it wouldn't even be her fault. Really, though, he wanted her agreement, and he was prepared to work for it.] "I just want to help."