Carl rounded on the man, fly still hanging open. He stood and rushed at him, fists flying. The two fought furiously, but Carl was weak, and out-muscled. Within moments, he was unconscious, bleeding from a broken nose, battered, and bruised on the floor.<br/><br/>The stranger crossed to her slowly, giving her time to see he was no threat. Without asking her permission, he righted her clothes as much as he could, then removed her bonds. She was battered, bruised, and bleeding, far worse than Carl, and he felt sick at the sight. Gently, he slid a hand under her neck, and behind her knees to lift her into his arms and carried her out to lay her on the couch.<br/><br/>The first thing he did was to turn and lock the door, trapping Carl inside, then went to sit on the trunk beside the couch, leaning over her.<br/><br/>"Easy now... just take it easy. What's your name, beautiful?"