No, no, I told her, but that made me no less afraid of his anger and intensity. Paul was my gentle giant until he wasn’t, until he was just a giant, shouting me down.

It’s okay, love, Emily said, we’re here for you.

Do you want me to answer it? Tom asked Howard, but Howard held up his hand, and shook his head. Howard steeled himself, walked over to the front door, and opened it. From where I sat, I could just glimpse his back in the doorway, at the far end of the hall.

Can I help you? Howard asked.

Yes, you can. Paul’s voice came low and steady from the other side of the door, just beyond sight. My wife’s inside and I need to speak with her.

And who are you, sorry?

Paul Devon, my wife’s name is Claire. May I?

I watched as Howard blocked him from entering—No, you may not.

I’d like to see her please.

Well I’m afraid she’s indisposed at the moment.

I glanced at Kyle, and he looked back at me from across the room with an almost unsettling calm. He didn’t seem afraid or upset, just resigned, as if he had half expected this would happen. Had I as well? Maybe we had both known, deep down, that we would be caught, that it was inevitable, but we chose to come anyway. What other choice did we have?

I’m not leaving without my wife, I heard Paul say.

Yes, you are, Howard replied.

Excuse me?

I’m asking you politely to leave my—

And who the hell are you? Paul interrupted.

I’m the home owner.

What’s your name, home owner? Howard didn’t answer. I said what’s—?

Dr. Howard Bard.

Are you keeping me from my wife?

Your wife doesn’t want to see you.

Oh yeah? Is that your professional medical opinion?

I suggest you leave right now before I—

Before you what? Before you what? Get out of my fucking—

Paul threw his weight into Howard, causing Howard to stumble back, and for a split second I saw Paul coming through the doorway, but Howard grabbed hold of his arms and forced him back outside, which I have to say was extremely impressive given Paul’s size. I could hear them scuffling on the front step, and I closed my eyes. I knew I could have put an end to all of it, but I felt completely overwhelmed. In the past I would have met Paul’s fury with my own, but I was already spent. I felt totally frayed. Exhausted. I couldn’t even muster the strength to be afraid, or angry. I heard Paul threatening—I’m going to sue you so fucking bad.

You go right ahead, and I’ll—

Claire!? Paul called out, his voice breaking. I know you can hear me!