Topher yelped, one hand flying up to the back of his head where he'd been hit. "Dude!" he exclaimed. "You could've just said so nicely! There's no need for violence!"

And to think, Karla had been so sympathetic when she'd thought she'd picked up on vibes of abuse at the hands of Peter. How the tables had turned.

"Look," he said, backing up and holding up both hands as though that might protect him. "Can I just explain my theory? DO NOT HIT ME AGAIN."