The bottle met the door and smashed against it in a rain of whiskey. Not two seconds later, the door opened slowly and Bertha’s frightened face peered into the room.

“What in heaven? James Williams! What have you been up to?”

“Just a friendly father and son chat, Bertha. Nothing out of the ordinary.” My father pushed past her and walked out of the room. I could hear his whistle as he walked away.

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph, this is going to take all day to clean. Well, never you mind, dearie, why don’t you make your way over to the kitchen? Your supper’s waiting on the table.”

“Thank you, Bertha, you’re a saint!” I kissed her on her plump cheek and she flushed red as a girl.

“Well, I never! These Williams men…” Her muttering receded as I walked into the hall and headed towards the kitchen and my meal. Halfway there, I heard a gunshot and immediately fell to my knees, waiting for the bullet to make contact. Instead, I heard a woman’s laugh.

“Didn’t think I’d ever see you again, Casey. Welcome back.”