"What is going on here?" Valerie's voice suddenly drifted over, her heels clicking on the floor as she approached the two.
Her sharp gaze swept the hallway, taking in the broken pot, water, messy floor, and James's exasperated expression. Her eyes widened, and her lips pursed in dismay.
"What in the world...?" Valerie trailed off, her voice laced with incredulity as she stared at the bruises on her husband's face, and James's broken nose.
Greg shifted uncomfortably, his bruises suddenly feeling less painful than the impending lecture.
James immediately spoke up, pointing at Greg. "He got into a fight with Ralph."
Valerie's attention snapped to Greg, her eyebrows rising. "A fight? What happened?"
Greg shrugged, his grin fading. "I was saving James. I didn't know Ralph would throw the first punch."
James eyes widened. Just as he was about to protest, Greg beat him to it.
