"A rock or a sledgehammer would be easier," Ray grunted, suddenly slapping a hand over his face to hide from the overwhelming wave of shame that hit him. "Oh God..."

He'd broken one of his most important and self-ingrained rules. Having grown up in a household where his own Pop was regularly drunk and stinking of booze, Ray had made a vow to himself never to appear that way in front of his nieces and nephews. That vow extended to any child and was more important than ever given his involvement with Asher.

It was no good having a rule never to hit a kid. Fear could be instilled way before a fist could fly and could cause just as much irreparable damage to a relationship.

"Abby saw me." It was't a question. It was more an vocal lament.