He realized the dog would be his first order of business. After bashing in the glass with the hammer he immediately dropped it and grabbed his hunting knife. He knew the dog would be at his throat in seconds and if he missed with the hammer he wouldn't get another chance.

When he stepped into the room Reggie pounced, literally flying through the air as a guttural sound emitted from deep within his throat. Grabbing at the fur around the dog's neck he sunk his knife deep into Reggie's left side. A high pitched yelp was followed by a loud thud as he threw him across the room. Reggie lifted his head for a moment then put it back down and remained still.

~~~~~

Michael ordered a second glass of Merlot and walked over to the restaurant side to make sure Jessie and Charlie were okay. They were both in line to dunk for apples. They were talking and giggling with the other kids as they waited. Comfortable that they were fine, he sauntered back towards the bar making light conversation as he went.

~~~~~

"No!" Grace yelled.

The girl had gotten off the sofa and was crouched in the corner by the TV. They both looked terrified and this pleased and aroused him.

Grace slowly walked towards him with her hands held slightly up as if in surrender. This made him feel even more powerful.

"You don't have to do this," she said as she studied him.

"Shut up!" he yelled.

Alex began to cry softly.

Reggie let out a whimper as he tried to move.

"You stay put!" he screamed as he walked over and kicked the dog's side.

Reggie didn't make a sound. Grace was sure he was dead. "It's okay Alex," she said trying to sound soothing.

He grabbed Grace by the front of her blouse, tearing it as he pulled her to him. Sneering, he said, "I told you to shut up, bitch." He shoved her as hard as he could making her stumble and fall onto the couch.

Grace stared up at him as her mind began to move backward, at first slowly over the past few weeks, then picking up speed and making her feel dizzy. Suddenly she was looking at him from the perspective of when she was very young. "Donny, why are you doing this?" she asked in earnest.

He ignored her, instead, reaching out and grabbing Alex roughly by the hair and making her stand and come to him.

Grace pushed herself up as her fingers slid behind the back of the seat cushion. She felt something lodged there. It was hard and unrecognizable until she used both hands to explore it. Realizing what it was and that this was her and Alex's only hope, she told herself – life or death, this is it, there won't be another chance.