Vera didn’t flinch. She hurled the washbasin straight at his head. The stic cracked with a hollow thud, leaving a jagged <i>hole</i>, and the man staggered, seeing stars.


    “I’ve called awyer. If you want to rack up an assault charge <i>on </i>top of everything else, go ahead. Hit me. Do it in front of mywyer!”


    Vera squared her shoulders, ring at him with a burning mix of heartbreak and fury in her eyes.


    “Mom’s been in the hospital for a week because of you. You haven’t called, you haven’t visited, nothing. All you do is gamble, drink, and beat your wife. What kind of man are you? I’m telling you, I’m here today to file for divorce on Mom’s behalf. If you refuse, I’ll call the police and drag this out as long as it takes!”


    Her eyes were rimmed red, voice unwavering. Only she could feel the sweat slicking her back and palms.


    “Ahem–Miss Leigh?” Thewyer stepped in, clearing his throat politely behind a hand.


    <i>“</i>Sorry you had to see that,” Vera/muttered, lowering her voice and stepping outside.


    After a moment, her father finally shuffled out, now in a different shirt–though who knew how many days he’d worn it. He reeked of sweat and booze, hair still damp as he wiped it with the bottom of his shirt,pletely unbothered.


    “Mr. Leigh, on behalf of Mrs. Leigh–Ca–we’re requesting that you voluntarily dissolve your marriage as she wishes,” thewyer said evenly. “Divorce? So she can run off with that other guy, is that it?” Hamlin barked out a bitterugh, grabbing a beer from the fridge, popping it open, and taking a long swig.


    Vera clenched her jaw, fighting to keep her temper in check.


    <b>1/2 </b>


    10:04


    “Do you have proof?” Hamlin sneered.


    “We do. We have testimony that you assaulted Mrs. Leigh and sent her to the hospital. Here’s her medical report. This alone is enough <i>to </i>not only end your marriage, but tond you in jail.”


    Hamlin paused mid–drink. Scowling, he snatched the folder from thewyer and squinted at the dense writing, his bloodshot eyes swimming. The blur of words made him sick. With a gag, he mmed down his bottle, tore open the folder, and shredded the documents into confetti.


    “Don’t think you can waltz in here in your fancy suit and make me believe your crap. If that woman’s got something to say, let here say it to my face. See if I don’t beat her to death! And you–where’s my money? You promised me ten grand this month. Can’t pay? You’d better marry someone rich and send the money home. Don’t think you’re above me just because you moved to the city. You and your mother–both worthless!”


    With that, Hamlin’s hand cracked across Vera’s face. The p echoed in the room, leaving a red, swollen mark bright against her fair skin, his fingerprints clear as day.


    “Mr. Leigh, if you do that again I’ll call the police!” Thewyer shot up, face dark with anger.


    “Go on, call! Evidence? What evidence? My wife’s my business, none of yours. Who saw it, huh? Who? Try me, I’ll smash this bottle over your head, you bunch of nosy busybodies!”


    Chaos erupted. Hamlin smashed the bottle on the table and swung it at thewyer. If Vera hadn’t shoved him aside at thest second, the ss would’ve driven straight into thewyer’s chest.


    “I’m sorry, Miss Leigh,” thewyer stammered, his suit stained and rumpled, flecked with beer. He straightened his tie, shaking his head as he backed toward the door. “You’ll have to call the police. Your father… he’s out of his mind.”


    With that, he turned and hurried away, leaving Vera alone in the wreckage.