Realizing he was still squeezing the key in his pocket, Elliot forced his fingers to let go of it. That tiny movement was all it took for instinct to kick in.
He yanked out his hand, slapped it against the door frame, and pushed his body hard backward, hoping it would be enough to unbalance his father and gain the upper hand. He wanted to yell in triumph as he felt dear old dad stumble behind him, but he whirled around and grabbed him by the upper arms, walking forward, forcing the man to step back.
James Dunn was caught off guard and let himself be herded down the stairs, but he started pushing back when he realized what was happening. Elliot’s muscles protested, and the trembling in his arms increased, but he was determined to hold his ground.
“Let me go, you disgusting fag.” The elder Dunn roared and kicked out with his foot in anger, hitting Elliot in the shin. Elliot yelped but didn’t let go.