Jesse turned to look at Adrian. "For a given definition of better, it is," he said dryly. "I can deal with getting hurt. I can't deal with any of you getting hurt anymore, OK? I've had enough of it to last a lifetime, we all have. So if he wants to destroy our house some more, fine. Stuff can be replaced. You three can't be."
Richard looked over for the third time at the fallen lamp. The cord twitched, but it didn't lift off the floor again. He frowned, but still, nothing happened.
"Jesse, did you say a code phrase or something?" Isaiah wanted to know.
"I have absolutely no idea," Jesse answered.
Richard let out a wordless yell of rage, and the kitchen windows near Jesse and Adrian shattered. Glass flew outward and struck Jesse, cutting his face and hands.