“One of the women at work told me about it.” Eloise sighed. “I hate to think what Sam would do if he knew what we’re actually doing. What was in the bag to convince him?”

“Just my old slippers and a worn out blue nightgown,” Nora replied.

“Thankfully, he didn’t look further.”

“Mama, why don’t we just leave Sam? We live like a cat and mouse, and Sam’s the cat.”

Eloise ignored the comment. This would be her last load, at least for the time being. Besides, Lisa was running out of space in her spare bedroom—the one she and Nora had shared for three months until they moved back in with Sam at the end of January.

Nora and her mother got back home a little after six. Before Sam had even opened his mouth, Nora could tell he’d been drinking. He was pacing back and forth the way he did when he got drunk.

“I thought I told you I wanted to eat early.”

Eloise plopped down a bag of hot fried chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, and slaw. “I have dinner right here.” Eloise and Nora continued to pretend there wasn’t anything wrong. They didn’t want to do anything to raise Sam’s temper.

Later in the night, Nora lay in bed and listened to them fighting. Eventually her mother’s bedroom door slammed shut. Nora hoped her mother had locked him out. In the meantime, Nora could hear Sam sneak out the back door. She assumed it was for the bottle of whiskey he had stashed in the shed. He’d probably drink himself into a drunken frenzy.

The house became eerily quiet except for the patter of rain against the window panes. A slow drizzle lulled Nora to sleep, but a loud crash woke her. Sam had kicked her door open. He rocked from side to side in the doorway.

“I’m not good enough for your Mama, so I’ll have to settle for you.” He could barely get his words out without slurring them.

“Get out!” Nora yelled.

Sam stumbled forward. “Don’t scream—you’re no better than your Mama. I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget!” He leaned down and grabbed the front of Nora’s nightgown.

“No you won’t! Take your hands off Nora!” Eloise stood in the doorway with a .38 caliber Special. Nora had never heard her mother speak with such force, especially to Sam.

“You can’t stop me.” Sam sneered. “How are you going to shoot a gun? You’ve never even held a one.”

“Watch me!” Eloise raised her arms to show she meant business. “This bullet is for you. Believe me. I’m good! I’ve been taking lessons.”

Sam grabbed Nora as a shield. “Now what are you going to do? Shoot Nora?” He laughed in a high, inebriated pitch.

“Let her go. Now!” Eloise shifted her weight to emphasize her determination.