The average was about eight a week as I have discovered that I'm not a bad phone negotiator. I used to double park in the tiny teachers car park and s...roll into the office foyer and check out Tommy's office to see if it was empty. If it were I sat in one of his visitor's chairs, if not I'd plunk myself into the chair in the foyer. I'd smile and greet Helen, Rita or Mary through the office's sliding window, discussing the weather, their kids (or grandkids in Rita's case) the school formal or the. I guess there needs to be a link between the universes or as you say we wouldn't be able to travel between them. What about the fact that you didn't lose any time when you travelled this time? Do you have a theory for that?" No Colonel, I'm still trying to work that one out. It was a surprise, a nice one I've got to say, as it means I haven't missed time with my friends and my other two sons, but a surprise nonetheless."Scott glanced round the table. His close friends could all speak English. “He’s very critical with me, as well, as I’m sure you see. Sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything right. And his temper is out of control.”“I wish he treated you better mom,” I said, relieved that we were on to a different topic, at least for now.She was silent for a moment.“Your father is not an easy man,” she said. “As a result, our marriage isn’t very happy. You have no idea, Bryan.”Tears welled up in her eyes. She took another sip from her drink.“You deserve better mom,” I said. “I don’t. Within this relationship, I was at a substantial disadvantage. I had not seen his sudden attack coming. Direct confronting and abusive, in public. In front of his significant others! I let him rant and rave. I made placating noises. He ranted further. I bided my time, I was effusive. I shrugged his slanderous jibes aside. I finally saw him, as he really was, a bully! I knew I could take him in any sort of confrontation. He was skilled in thugery. I had real training in armed combat. He was.