Go With Karen

You don't hesitate more than a moment before jumping in the car with Karen. It occurs to you that you may have done a very stupid thing, but you don't really have much to lose at this point. It's a good thing you did that, too, because at that moment, you can hear a gang of girls getting closer. Karen seems to hear them as well because she guns the engine once you're inside and takes off. You barely get your seatbelt on in time and lie back against the seat. Most of the pain is gone but has been replaced by a chilly numbness. You cough a couple of times and manage to look to Karen and offer her a hollow smile.

"Thank you," you croak.

"Don't worry," says Karen, seeming to grind her back teeth together, "it was my pleasure. Someone oughta teach those ingrates a lesson."

"Agreed," you say, some of your humor returning, "but I doubt it'll be me. Already tried that this morning."

"I can see that," says Karen, "well nevermind that. You just relax and I'll get you to a safe place."

"Where," you ask.

"My home," says Karen, "it's as secure as they come. Nobody gets past my door without my permission."