With Karl and Old Bess’s help, Becca was able to lay Sassy across the backseat of her car.

“You might want to ice her cheek down a bit, once she’s woken up.” Old Bess thoughtfully massaged her right fist, looking at Sassy’s unconscious figure with concern.

Becca eased herself into the driver’s seat. “Oh, Sassy’s a tough girl. Didn’t she tell you she kick-boxes?”

Karl whistled. “She’s a tough broad, all right. But man, has she got all the right moves. Although that little Hindu gal wasn’t so bad herself.”

Old Bess elbowed Karl in the ribs. “Well, I sure hope Sassy won’t harbor any hard feelings against Old Bess in the morning.”

Becca smiled wryly. “If she even remembers tonight. She suffers from alcohol-related amnesia, if you know what I mean. Well, I guess I’ll be going now.”

Karl leaned in, suddenly serious. “Call me so we can further discuss you becoming my personal assistant. Here’s my card…”

Old Bess firmly dragged Karl away from the car. “Good – bye, Becca. Don’t be a stranger, ya hear?”