“If you want dinner, lick it off the floor!” My son-in-law mocked me after knocking my plate down, while making a toast at dinner. I stood up, adjusted my coat, and said three words that left him completely terrified!

He believed a widow wrapped in black coats could be cornered quietly and forgotten there.

I stood slowly beside the shattered plate. My knees ached, but my spine remained perfectly straight. I folded my napkin carefully and laid it beside the broken porcelain.

Victor’s grin widened.

“Leaving already?”

I looked directly into his eyes.

Then I said three words.

“You’re under investigation.”

The wineglass slipped in his hand.

Red wine splashed down the front of his shirt.

For the first time all evening, Victor looked frightened.

I turned and walked out before anyone could stop me.

Behind me, Claire whispered softly, “Mom?”

I didn’t turn around.

Not yet.