"Royce started for the steps. Hadrian whirled with his hand up. "No! Just relax. Let me deal with this." Royce hesitated, more because Hadrian was blocking the way than because he agreed. Everyone turned to look at Hadrian as he began kicking at one of the pretty lathed spindles that decorated the porch railing. He snapped one off and wrenched it free. "Hey!" Abby said. "Sorry, I'll fix it later, but I need something blunt to hit them with." This got the men's attention and the one let go of Jasmine, who escaped into the house. "All I can say is you'd better do a good job," Royce threatened. "If either of them leaves that porch, they're mine." "Royce, they're not even armed." "They have arms--but I'll remedy that."