Christine’s shrill, grating voice filled the ruined living room.

“Tommy, I’m warning you, that little wife of yours looks sneaky. You put her in her place tonight. Route her direct deposit to my account. If she gives you any lip, smack her hard.

She’ll submit. That’s how my mother broke your father. You have to beat her, or you’ll embarrass our family.”

I stopped the recording.

“Is the lesson over, Tom?”

“Yes.” He choked on his own saliva. “Let me go. Please.”