Karen’s mouth curls into a smile when he says he’ll be more belligerent next time. “You won’t,” she answers in good humor. It is nice that he’s so determined to do this the right way. They both have work to do: her on managing her expectations, him on recognizing that he’s not going to be the one to break her.

“I’ve got Aleve in my purse,” she informs him. It’s a staple: literally chasing down a story, a surprise kidnapping, uncomfortable shoes, breaking up a fight. She never knows what life is going to throw her. She’s not sure she would want it to be predictable.

Before getting up, she leans forward into a stretch, holding onto her toes. It’s quiet for a moment as she mulls over what she wants to say. “My life has been like this for a long time, Matt. This is a long overdue lesson.” Her head tips, and there’s a hint of amusement back in her voice when she continues, “target shooting was a good start, though.”