Fire whiskey would have to be her alternative. At least it was legal and plentiful. She poured a glass and sat down at the kitchen table to sip it. In its own way, the alcohol was effective. Some of her fear about her husband began to slowly dissipate. Just before she reached the bottom of that first glass, she heard a stirring behind her. Turning in her seat, she watched Augustus enter the dark room over her shoulder. He jumped when he saw her sitting there, clearly not expecting company.