I don’t know what to do beyond my smart-mouthed retort, and I am now at a loss. Trembling in my shoes and watching him like a hawk, knowing that some form of retaliation will come once he stops downing straight vodka. He gulps another, and I pray internally. Worried that he is verging on some sort of self-combustion.

“No, he will not!” The loud commanding bark makes me and her jump a mile high in unison as a tall, familiar figure storms in and slams the front door shut behind ...