"I need to talk to Cynthia alone."

Grumbling under his breath, Norman heads out of the office, leaving me alone with his father.

Once the door slams shut behind him, Jonathon gives me a cold look. "I gave you a responsibility."

"I tried, but every time I say anything, Norman begins beating me in public! How am I supposed to––"

"Well, if you stopped provoking him, he wouldn't have to do that, would he?" Jonathon asks, icily. "Don't blame my son for your shortcomings. Because of you, one of ...