So, when I get home, I can find no sign that he has broken in through the back window like he says.

(I think he must have a key and this has all been an elaborate charade.
If I had the $$, I'd have the locks changed, but no chance of that!)

My bedroom door, however, is ajar (and I think I shut it before I left, as the dog gets in and causes havoc).

BUT, there is no dog.

Just as I am starting to panic, H rings to announce that he has taken the dog (the kids and I got the dog after he left).

He says he's taken it to his mate's house, where he claims to live. Says he will bring it back soon.

He has tried to take the dog on several occasions before but has been unwilling to tell me where he is taking it, so I have fobbed him off.

S13 is not keen for H to take his dog out either, as he does not trust him to watch it carefully.

So now it seems he has seized his chance to do what I was trying to control.

Oh dear, how pathetic my life has become. And how thoroughly down - and on the verge of a breakdown - this sort of weird game-playing makes me feel.

What to do now - act 'as if' nothing out of the ordinary happened? Give him the benefit of the doubt and try to keep the road home paved and smooth?