“Yes, Peter, there’s one more really important thing,” I answered, looking straight into his swollen eyes.

“What is it?” he asked, bracing for another hit.

“I need you to pack a bag and move out of this house for a while,” I told him with complete, unbending resolve.

Peter went totally still, every last bit of color leaving his face as he stared at me in shock.

“Claire, please, no, you can’t throw me out of my own home,” he begged, leaning forward with his hands held out.

“I can’t look at you every morning and wonder what other cruel secret plans you’re cooking up behind my back, Peter,” I explained calmly.