Before I left, the police came and talked to me. I told them everything. Well, I told them the truth about the attack anyway. They clearly bought it, and equally clearly did not like my father. He was arrogant, cold, and now someone who would beat his wife and son viciously. I learned later that Mom made a deal with him. A clean divorce for no charges or lawsuits. She got half but didn't even ask for child support. Her request for custody was uncontested. Neither me nor Becky ever saw him again, and neither of us were really upset about that.

When I finally got home, it was Thursday...