Alice swatted it from her hand. The mug flipped away, exploding coffee, and bounced off the rug.
The woman slapped her face.
Alice leaped at her, snarling, hands out like claws. As Dukane set his mug on the mantel, he saw that the woman needed no help. She grabbed Alice's right arm, jerked it toward her, and swiveled around. Her rump caught Alice low. The girl flew over her back and hit the floor with a grunt.
"Sorry about that, but I won't allow intemperate behavior." Her sweater had pulled up, revealing lightly tanned skin above her belt. She adjusted her sweater, and stared down at Alice.
...more
