Becca was smiling at Karl, oblivious to the outside world, when they turned with a start toward the direction of one of the most agonizing shrieks either of them had ever heard. Becca jumped up from her stool, grabbed Karl and dragged him behind her.

“I’ve only heard Sassy make that noise once,” Becca explained. “And the aftermath wasn’t pretty. Poor Ritchie Abercrombie was never quite the same.”

“Wait,” Karl said. “Let me get my hat. It might make a difference.”

“There’s no time,” Becca said, running toward the office as fast as she could tug Karl. “We may already be too late.”

When they finally reached the office, Becca realized that she had greatly underestimated Old Bess. The bartender must have been more spry than she looked. Sassy was on the floor, unconscious – Old Bess checking her vital signs.

“Crazy bitch tried to choke me,” Old Bess said, revealing her raw neck for their viewing pleasure. “She’ll be okay. Just a little bump on the head.”

“What did you say to her?” Becca asked, arms akimbo.