Sarah screamed at herself inside. How was she supposed to know they had tattoos? Her chances of convincing him were extremely slim, and they all hinged on a black emblem that she didn't have. She didn't hear Matt and couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't shown up to help. Maybe he was afraid too? Either way, her life was in her hands, and she wasn't about to let someone take it away.

She sighed again and rolled her eyes, as though the whole process was a waste of time. "Fine, whatever. If it makes you- look out!" She cried, widening her eyes and pointing over his shoulder. Steph turned instinctively, disregarding Sarah for only a second. It was all the time she needed. Sarah had hidden the baton in her right sleeve, the handle facing down, holding it with her wrist. The instant he turned, she dropped the baton into her hand, flicking her wrist and extending it to its full 20" length.

Steph immediately realized he had fallen for the oldest trick in the book. Furious, he turned again just in time to see the baton whip into his left thigh. The impact sent a shock wave all the way to his head. He yelled in pain, dropping to one knee, then lunging forward, determined to take this girl down. Sarah was already prepared, stepping back and changing her footing for a swing in the opposite direction. 

Matt had heard the yell of pain. He realized Sarah had attacked the other man. Maybe she was only pretending to be one after all? He stepped out of the door and looked into the room. Sarah's eyes were blazing, her teeth bared and her body in a combat stance. The man known as Steph barely got off his knees when Sarah swung again, hitting him in the lower jaw. Matt winced as he heard a bone snap. Steph fell against the wall, blood dripping from his shattered jaw. Sarah didn't even give him a chance. Changing stances once more, she fired one last swing at Steph.

Straight into his throat.

The blow crushed his windpipe instantly. Steph reached for his collar briefly, trying to reach his neck, then hit the ground hard. He was dead. Matt couldn't help but stare at the body. Sarah has literally beaten a man to death. He looked up at her as she snapped the baton closed and shoved it into her belt. She grinned.

"Sorry for lying." She pointed at the dead man. "I was trying to...convince..." he face fell, as the realization of her actions hit her. She clamped both hands over her mouth to keep from hyperventilating. Matt rushed forward and grabbed her, sitting her down on the bed. Her eyes were dilated and she was sweating heavily. He grabbed her shoulders and shook them.

"Sarah! Stay with me! Hey, focus! They're still here. We need to go, okay?" 

Sarah couldn't even look at him. She was almost in shock.

"I killed him," she murmured over and over again. "I killed him I killed him I killed him I-"

"Sarah!" Matt hissed, pulling her head towards his and forcing eye contact. "We. Have. To. Go. Stay with me, okay?" He paused. No response. "Okay??"

Sarah nodded slowly, her eyes slowly filling with tears. She let him help her to her feet and, one arm over his shoulder, lead her from the room and resting her against a wall. She closed her eyes, trying to stay calm but overrun with emotion. She was a killer. How could this happen?? 

Matt ransacked the house and body as quickly as possible. He loaded his satchel with food and bottled water, then slung the rifle over his shoulder, pocketing the ammunition without examining it. He grabbed the terrified girl by the arm. "Come on. Let's get out of here before his friends show up."

Sarah nodded slowly, and they both headed for the stairs.